A minute of silence in schools in memory of Giulia Cecchettin and for all the victims of violence

A minute of silence for Giulia Cecchettin and for all women victims of violence. At 11am it will be observed in all schools in Italy. This was decided by the Ministry of Education and Merit which sent a circular to the institutes.

“On 25 November of each year – we read in the circular – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated, an anniversary established on 17 December 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s commemoration unfortunately coincides – it is underlined – with yet another tragic feminicide, which shook the consciences of those who saw in Giulia Cecchettin a daughter, a sister, a friend, a committed student. Another woman victim of the culture of male domination and oppression “.

“The fight against violence against women – we read further in the document – has now become a serious emergency for the country and this ministry, at the strong impetus of the minister, intends to make its contribution through the “Educating about relationships” planwhich will be presented tomorrow 22 November, with the aim of promoting concrete prevention actions and spreading the culture of respect, education on relationships and equality between men and women”.

An hour at school with psychologists and influencers to educate about relationships: Valditara’s plan against violence against women

by Viola Giannoli

November 20, 2023

In the next few days, in view of the anniversary of November 25th, “school institutions – explains the circular signed by the head of department, Carmela Palumbo – are called to organize initiatives on the issue of the fight against violence against women, actively involving students in reflections and debates, which can raise their awareness and make them responsible, also through any in-depth analysis on the tools available to women victims of violence, on the legislation and on the policies in place”.

The revolt of the schools: “Valditara, a minute of silence is not enough for us”

“Tomorrow we will make noise in schools all over Italy. Burn everything.” After the killing of Giulia Cecchetin and the education minister’s appeal to observe a minute’s silence for yet another feminicide, the schools rebel and launch the appeal to mobilize against the “patriarchal society”: “For Giulia no do a minute of silence, for Giulia, for everyone, burn everything. We will be the cry of those who are no longer here”, we read in the post Rome schools in struggle. “Silence is complicit and murderous and is what many women victims of violence must submit to. Gender violence is fought with education in schools, sexual education, emotional education and consent”, add the autonomous collectives.

“We launch a day of anger in schools and universities on Tuesday 21 November, towards and beyond the national demonstration on 25 November called by Not one less. We continue to fight for public investments in counseling centers and anti-violence centers in all territories, for courses on sexuality and affectivity with secular student supervision, mandatory and guaranteed for all. Let’s make our anger felt: no more victims, no more exploitation of feminicides”, he explains the Osa movement.

Giulia to the Socrates of Rome

“In memory of Giulia Cecchetin I invite everyone present in the school to observe a minute of silence today, 21 November 2023, at 11 am. But a minute of silence is not enough! – thus begins the appeal of the head teacher of the Socrate high school in Rome, Carlo Firmani – It certainly serves to find a space to reflect and think, but it serves much more, on an individual and collective level. We need everyone to commit daily, in every moment of their days, to practicing and spreading respect, empathy, understanding and awareness. I invite everyone, students, teachers and ATA staff, until November 25th, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, to wear something red, the color of the blood of women killed in Italy since the beginning of the year and to actively promote reflections and debates in classes on the topic of violence against women with students”.