Italy Struggles with Femicide and Gender Equality #

Over 100 women were killed in Italy in 2023, highlighting the issue of femicide in the country. The term ‘femicide’ refers to cases where women are killed by their current or former partners. Despite having a female prime minister, Italy still faces challenges in achieving gender equality. The country only criminalized crimes of passion in 1981, and the judicial system often gives lighter sentences to male killers. Societal failures and increasing wage disparity contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence. The feminist movement in Italy, historically tied to politics, has become divisive, with some right-leaning parties distancing themselves from feminism. However, feminist movements and organizations are playing a crucial role in supporting Italian victims of abuse and working towards greater equality.