On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the Municipality of Monza is hosting a rich program of activities aimed at raising awareness, strengthening the culture of respect and renewing the commitment against gender-based violence.
The set of initiatives was illustrated at the Municipal Palace in the presence of Mayor Paolo Pilotto and Councillor for Equal Opportunities Andreina Fumagalli.
The meeting was also an opportunity to present the video "Ogni Voce Conta," which collects the testimonies of local associations belonging to the Tavolo Pari Opportunità, engaged daily in supporting women and promoting equal opportunities.

A new red bench 
On November 25, a new red bench will be inaugurated at the San Carlo - San Giuseppe Civic Center, a symbol of awareness and opposition to feminicide, donated by the Carcere Aperto Association on behalf of the inmates of the Monza Prison.
The bench will be equipped with a metal plaque bearing the service number for calls for help from victims of violence, 1522.

The initiatives promoted by the Municipality of Monza
November 16 - Portici dell'Arengario 
mati - Faces that are reborn: artist Felice Battiloro will carry out a live painting open to the public, dedicated to women's courage and rebirth.
November 25 to 30 - Binario 7 Exhibition Space
Mexhibition Projects by university students in favor of women's autonomy, held in collaboration with the Milan Polytechnic.
December 4 - Liberty Civic Center
Ameeting with Every Voice Counts, dedicated to the activities of the Equal Opportunity Table and the presentation of its member associations.

The Commitment of the Local Police
The Local Police Command, this year, also intends to get even closer to the ongoing awareness initiatives: that's why on the day of the 25ththe patrols on duty in the city will be recognizable by a red ribbon applied on the radio antennas and a special window sticker dedicated to the Anti-Antiviolence Day.
The same message will be displayed throughout the day at the entrance of the Command, at 13 Marsala Street.
In addition, the officers are engaged these days in the production of a short video clip where they will explicate their daily commitment against violence against women: the message will be disseminated on November 25.

The other meetings
Along with municipal activities, the city hosts numerous events promoted by associations, entities and civic realities.
On November 24, a women's anti-aggression techniques class will be held at the Leone Dehon Institute, open to all citizens aged 14 and up.
Also on Nov. 24, the theatrical reading Abuse is not love: 9 warning signs will be held at the San Carlo - San Giuseppe Civic Center and, on the same evening, the meeting Monza and Brianza - Gender Violence: know to prevent at the Villa Camperio Conference Hall in Villasanta.
On November 25, at Binario 7, screening of short films and debate entitled Free from violence, free from shame, free to live and free to choose, with the participation of experts in constitutional law and cybersecurity.
Two appointments also on November 28: Preventing All Violence: the Power of Family Education at the Carrobiolo Library, and the talk show-spectacle Fragile to Whom? at the Manzoni Theater, where voices and testimonies tell about disability and the fight against gender violence.
The program closes on December 3 with the reading Mai più Giulia: come riconoscere i segnali e prevenire la violenza del racconto della storia at Binario 7, with speeches by representatives of law enforcement and experts in the field of protection and prevention.

"Each initiative," stresses Assessore alle Pari Opportunità Andreina Fumagalli, "represents a fundamental step in building a community capable of preventing violence and supporting those who find the courage to ask for help. Monza renews its commitment to promoting rights, equality and freedom for all women: only by networking and giving space to women's voices can we generate real social change."

"It has great value, and not only symbolic, the active participation in the day for the elimination of violence against women by the officers of the Local Police - says Local Police Councillor Ambrogio Moccia -. It is a clear and unequivocal stance on the part of those whose task it is to ensure respect for legality and safety in the city, and who can and must set a virtuous example with their own actions."

"We are not looking for firsts," stresses Mayor Paolo Pilotto, "but for continuous collaboration with the realities of the territory to create opportunities of meaning or educational value, which can give everyone a voice. In my day-to-day experience as mayor, I have noticed that the feeling of many is that only the voices of a few count, because many often feel unheard. This is not the case. Every voice counts, and collaborating and creating opportunities for people to come together I think is one of our tasks."