L’Eredità delle Donne returns to Florence from November 24 to 26 for its sixth edition, following tradition with a full programme of events exploring and celebrating the role of women in many spheres. Under the theme ‘Madri della Patria’, (mothers of the homeland), the festival is under the artistic direction of writer and television host Serena Dandini, with the main programme taking place at Manifattura Tabacchi.
The vibrant line-up of guests ranges from philosophers to rappers, displaying a full range of female contributions to achievements in many fields. Among the selection of international guests are the Ukrainian activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Oleksandra Romantsova, and Zarifa Ghafari, the youngest and one of only three female mayors in Afghanistan’s history. Also, due to speak will be writer and director Eve Ensler, who was named by the Guardian UK as one of the world’s 100 most influential women, and Anna Prouse, an internationally recognized expert on Middle Eastern, African and European culture, politics and affairs.
The events have been shifted to November this year to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, bringing attention to the “cultural revolution”, in Dandini’s words, that is yet to be accomplished to combat gender-based violence. This is one of the central issues to be focused on, alongside war and peace, the climate crisis, and human rights, with female experts from each area coming to Florence to join the discussion. Inspired by the Electress Palatine, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, the festival has become a reference point for representing women in crucial debates that affect both men and women across Italy and worldwide.
In addition to the line-up at Manifattura Tabacchi, there are over 200 affiliated events taking place across Florence, including workshops, exhibitions, guided visits and concerts, as well as opportunities for children to get involved.
Serena Dandini elaborates “The festival brings the voices of women involved in peace processes. Our planet is on fire, and women, the first victims of all wars, are messengers and builders of peace…This year, the dates of the festival coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Despite progress towards equality, gender violence is not decreasing. However many good laws have been put in place and however many good intentions are declared every day, the cultural revolution necessary to defeat this has yet to be accomplished.”
The events will be livestreamed on their website and Facebook page.
