The Municipality of Loano is preparing to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25. Events include “Voice to Silence,” a concert on November 24 at Palazzo Doria, featuring songs and readings to highlight the issue. On November 25, a ceremony at Loano’s Red Benches with students aims to raise awareness. These efforts emphasize the need for societal change and support for victims, promoted by the Loano Anti-Violence Center.
The Municipality of Loano is gearing up to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a global event promoted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 25 each year. During this time, the United Nations urges governments, international organizations, and NGOs to host activities aimed at raising public awareness about one of the most severe human rights violations.
According to Loano’s Mayor, Luca Lettieri, the social policy assessor, Manuela Zunino, and the president of the city council, Monica Caccia, “globally, violence against women affects one in three women. In Italy, Istat data provided by the Ministry of Health indicates that 31.5% of women have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.” The most severe forms of violence are often committed by partners, ex-partners, relatives, or friends, with 62.7% of rapes being perpetrated by partners. These figures highlight the ongoing nature of the issue and underscore the urgent need for concrete actions to combat and prevent it. While there are numerous resources available for women to report violence, it is equally vital to raise societal awareness, particularly among young people, about respecting women. A delegation of students from local schools will also attend the commemoration at Loano’s Red Benches, a symbol of the fight against violence towards women.
On November 24 at 4 PM, the council chamber of Palazzo Doria will host “Voice to Silence,” a concert featuring songs, poetry, and readings against violence towards women. This event, produced by Barabàn, weaves together some of the most beautiful songs by Fabrizio De André and Alda Merini, with readings from books by Dacia Maraini, Riccardo Iacona, Concita De Gregorio, and Serena Dandini. The aim is to give “voice to the silence” of women who have suffered violence and to share stories of courage. The performance, open to public contributions, will feature Maddalena Soler, Aurelio Citelli, Giuliano Grasso, Vincenzo Caglioti, and Alberto Rovelli. Admission is free until capacity is reached, and the event is promoted in collaboration with the Loano Anti-Violence Center.
On November 25, starting at 8:45 AM, a commemoration will take place at the Red Benches located next to Palazzo Kursaal and in Piazza Italia, the latter also dedicated to minors who are victims of witnessed violence. Students from the Falcone Institute and the Loano-Boissano Comprehensive Institute will participate in the ceremony.