(Brussels, 24/05/13) The EWL Italian co-ordination – LEF Italia – together with the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, organised a one week study visit in Milan and Rome with women’s associations from the Russian Federation of Irkutsk, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A one-day seminar to exchange good practice, took place at the offices of the European Parliament in Rome on 16 May which was attended by the head of the European Parliament Information Office in Italy, the Press officer of the European Commission Representation in Italy, MEPs and an afternoon session with civil society organisations. Following a presentation of the EWL by the President of LEF Italia, Siusi Casaccia , Mary Collins, EWL Policy Officer presented an overview of the situation of women in Europe with regards to poverty and social exclusion followed by a presentation of the impact of austerity measures on women in Italy by Ludovica Tranquilli. The Italian Women’s Lawyers Association, Women organising for change in agriculture and natural resources (WOCAN), Maschile plural (men against violence against women) and Laboratorio Donnae, presented models of good practice from civil society organisations in Italy.
The study visit is part of a project to develop multi local women’s partnership against poverty, jointly co-ordinated by the Milan Chamber of Commerce and LEF Italia. The empowerment of women, challenging rigid gender roles, expectations and stereotypes and modelling good practices are all part of the objectives of the project which the women’s associations will take back to their respective countries. Women’s rights are transversal and extend beyond borders. Further information on the project can be obtained from: Ludovica Tranquilli, m.tranquillileali@virgilio.it
