On Sunday, 8th December, the first orange bench was unveiled in Ortovero, thanks to the initiative by the Zonta Club of Alassio-Albenga. This project aims to spread a message of hope and optimism, aligned with the orange color chosen by the UN, symbolizing a future free from violence against women. Mariagrazia Timo, the majority leader and culture delegate of the Municipality, explained, “Why orange, not red? The red bench commemorates victims of femicide, while orange, as identified by the UN, is a symbol of a bright and optimistic future, free from violence against women and girls.”
The local administration joined the international campaign “Zonta says no – Orange the world”, lighting up the San Giovanni Oratory in orange from November 25th for sixteen days of activism against gender violence. Mayor Osvaldo Geddo emphasized how the inauguration of the orange bench, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, was received with emotion by the Ortovero community.
The following day, the bench was placed on Viale Chiesa, where middle school students gathered for a moment of reflection on the importance of mutual respect. The bench displays the anti-violence hotline number 1522 and details of the Artemia Gentileschi Anti-Violence Centre, highlighting the ongoing need for commitment against femicide, physical, psychological, economic violence, and stalking.
Mariagrazia Timo, also the president of the Zonta Club Alassio-Albenga, concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone who participated in the initiative.
