Message from the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano
On the occasion of the IX International Conference on Social Communication, titled “The Value of Diversity. Towards a new gender culture,” promoted by the Pubblicità Progresso Foundation, the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, sent a message to President Alberto Contri in which he noted how the event
“confirms Pubblicità Progresso’s commitment to improving civil coexistence and collective well-being in our country, contributing to affirming both the value of equal opportunities and respect for diversity at all levels and in all aspects of daily life.” The President of the Republic continued: “The objective of the program presented at this conference concerns gender diversity. Valuing women has not only an ethical dimension but is also important economically, as demonstrated by the ability of women to assert themselves and contribute in all fields, once they are freed from legal constraints and social prejudices. Bitterness, indignation and pain are generated by the perpetuation of violence against women, so frequent precisely against life partners. It is therefore good that the recent government measure has considered sentimental ties as an aggravating circumstance. However, it must be noted that the widespread representation of the female body as a consumer good reinforces misguided possessive attitudes towards women. It is therefore appropriate that women be represented with sobriety and dignity in the media, as Rai has committed to doing. On the other hand, we cannot hide that it is precisely the greater equality achieved by women in work and professions that can arouse dangerous reactions. It is therefore right to operate with care and on all fronts as Pubblicità Progresso proposes to do, within its two-year project, to which I wish to continue to advance the country towards a goal that we know is so difficult to fully achieve.”
Rome, November 18, 2013
