by In Trieste
Alessandra Richetti, one of the three female mayoral candidates in Trieste, talks politics, female support and making it in a man’s world.
Alessandra Richetti is supported by Movimento Cinque Stelle, or the Five Star Movement, which is a populist, antiestablishment, and Euro-skeptic party co-founded in 2009 by popular Italian comedian Beppe Grillo. The movement supports sustainable development and environmentally friendly transport, and promotes environmentalism generally.
What’s your background?
I was born and raised in Trieste. I am an IT technician, and I worked for a long time at the ICTP and now at the University of Trieste.
What particular issues make up your platform?
My vision is of a city that is livable, first of all, for all the Trieste folks and the tourists who find themselves in front of a city that could function a lot better. A city that gives voice to all the citizens, all of the rioni (neighborhood) of Trieste. I’ve been the president of the 6th circumscription for many years now and I know that people of Trieste need to be listened to. Every single person, every community that lives in Trieste needs to have a voice. Only in this way can we move forward with Trieste becoming a competitive city. Triste has so much potential but it hasn’t been exploited yet.
Why would your victory as a woman be significant?
As a woman who enters a male-dominated field, it would be a win for all of us. I never downplay my gender, I think it’s important to remain feminine while showing chiefly male qualities such as competitiveness and tough character. It’s not an easy balance, you know. I get my strong will and determination from martial arts (I have a black belt in judo) and my softness from seeing female colleagues struggle in a male world. However, I don’t know that that is enough for voters.
How so?
Unfortunately, I don’t think we – female voters in Trieste- are ready for a female mayor yet. Somehow, historically, we got used to seeing men up there and we think that’s the way it’s got to be. Most women I spoke with share this opinion. It’s an unfortunate gender stereotype that needs to be broken.
Alessandra Richetti is one of the 10 mayoral candidates running in the mayoral elections to be held in Trieste 3-4 October.
