25th November marks the International day for the elimination of violence against women, an annual event that invites us to reflect on a phenomenon that continues to represent a serious violation of human rights worldwide. This day was established to raise public awareness and promote concrete actions against all forms of gender violence, which unfortunately remains a widespread reality around the world. Established by the United Nations in 1999, this day aims to raise public awareness and promote concrete actions against all forms of gender-based violence: physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and cultural. The choice of date commemorates the three Dominican sisters Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal, known as “las mariposas” (the butterflies), who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. They were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered on 25th November 1960, becoming symbols of courage and resistance.
Gender-based violence in numbers
Despite global efforts, the data remains concerning. According to the UN, every 10 minutes a woman is killed worldwide, and one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime. In Italy, ISTAT statistics show that 31.5% of women aged 16 to 70 have experienced abuse. According to the Ministry of the Interior, from January 1 to November 18, 2024, 99 women were killed, most of the cases occurring within family or intimate relationships. These figures, while dramatic, do not reflect the full extent of the phenomenon, which is often not reported due to fear, social judgment, or lack of proper support.
A necessary commitment
Sapi Med strongly emphasizes the importance of keeping the spotlight on this crucial issue, reaffirming its commitment to a more equitable, inclusive, and conscious society. We believe that change starts with awareness: for this reason, we invite our employees, clients, and partners to actively support initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and combating all forms of violence. Every day we can make a difference:
- Welcome and support those facing difficult situations.
- Educate about mutual respect.
- Report abuse and mistreatment.
- Support associations and anti-violence centers that work to prevent and combat these realities.
If you are in Italy and if you are victim of psychological, physical, sexual, or economic violence, or know someone who is, immediately contact the anti-violence and stalking helpline 1522. It is free, available 24/7 throughout the year, accessible nationwide, and operated by multilingual professionals. Alternatively, you can chat with operators through the “1522” app, available for both iOS and Android devices, or via the official website. Every step towards a world free from violence is a step toward a better society for everyone.
