by InTrieste
As the world prepares to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region has announced a dramatic increase in funding for initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based violence.
Alessia Rosolen, the region’s Councilor for Labor, Education, Research, and Family, revealed that financial support for anti-violence programs has grown more than fourfold since 2017, rising from €60,000 to over €257,000 this year. The expanded funding has enabled the number of supported projects to soar from 26 to 105 in the same period.
“The battle against oppression, discrimination, and violence against women is primarily cultural,” Ms. Rosolen said. “It must be fought locally—within schools and community spaces where respect is taught and cultivated. This is why we remain committed to building strong networks in partnership with local governments, third-sector organizations, and anti-violence centers.”
A Local Approach
This year’s funding is being distributed across dozens of municipalities in Friuli Venezia Giulia, supporting a diverse range of projects. From theatrical performances and art exhibitions to educational campaigns and community events, the initiatives aim to address gender violence from multiple angles.
Pordenone, for example, received €5,000 for its “Week Against Violence on Women” campaign, while the city of Gorizia used the same amount to fund a project titled “Life: A Fragile Ribbon to Rewind.” Smaller municipalities also secured grants for creative approaches, such as Precenicco’s “Something Red” and Brugnera’s “Piece by Piece: Building Respect Like a Work of Art.”
In Tolmezzo, a €3,000 grant is funding the 12th edition of “Together to Say No to Violence,” an ongoing community effort. Meanwhile, Udine’s €5,000 initiative, “Together Against Violence,” focuses on building alliances to combat abuse.
“These projects reflect the determination of our communities to confront gender violence head-on,” Ms. Rosolen said. “The key to success lies in ensuring that these efforts resonate with local needs while fostering a culture of respect and solidarity.”
A National Issue
Violence against women remains a pervasive issue in Italy, where nearly 90 women were killed by intimate partners or family members last year, according to national statistics. Advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for comprehensive prevention strategies, highlighting the role of education and local engagement in shifting societal attitudes.
Friuli Venezia Giulia’s expanded funding represents a significant regional effort to address these concerns. The region’s focus on grassroots initiatives is particularly notable, with resources allocated not only to larger cities like Pordenone and Udine but also to small towns such as Pulfero, Paluzza, and Staranzano.
Looking Ahead
As Friuli Venezia Giulia prepares to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Ms. Rosolen stressed that the fight is far from over. “Our goal is not only to provide immediate support but to foster a long-term cultural shift. Education, awareness, and community involvement are our strongest tools.”
Across the region, events and initiatives funded by the new grants will be in full swing this weekend, serving as both a rallying cry and a reminder: the fight against gender-based violence requires collective action, and no community is too small to make a difference.
