The memorandum of understanding between the State Police and Fondazione Conad ETS has been signed for the implementation of joint initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect.
The protocol, signed for the State Police by the Central Anti-Crime Director, Prefect Alessandro Giuliano, and for Fondazione Conad ETS by the Secretary General and Director Maria Cristina Alfieri, officially launches the “ProgettoRispetto – Together Against Gender-Based Violence,” a national initiative especially aimed at young people, which seeks to raise awareness among new generations and provide concrete tools to teachers and families to address fundamental issues such as gender equality, consent, discrimination, and the recognition of diversity.
Gender-based violence, in fact, is not just a private matter: it is one of the most serious and widespread violations of human rights, with deep roots in cultural stereotypes and inequalities. Addressing it means investing in education and cultural change.
Through the portal www.progettorispetto.it, free educational materials, documentaries, testimonials, and training sessions will be made available for students, teachers, and families of lower and upper secondary schools. Interactive workshops, social media campaigns, and the involvement of qualified experts for training activities at the local level are also planned.
The protocol also includes concrete actions to support victims, including activities for reintegration into the workforce, and an in-depth look at existing prevention and protection tools, such as the measures of the Chief of Police and emergency response devices activated by the State Police.
The agreement, which arises from the shared need to increase the safety levels of potential victims, is part of the State Police’s ongoing campaign “This is not love,” to strengthen the joint commitment of institutions and third sector organizations for a society based on respect, equity, and safety.
With “ProgettoRispetto – Together Against Gender-Based Violence,” new and effective ways are being identified to spread gender culture, reaching young people and women more and more widely, not only in the private sphere but also in commonly frequented places as well as in schools and leisure moments, with initiatives involving both customers and the staff who work there.
“We believe that the culture of respect and equality must be promoted starting with the youngest, in the contexts where they grow up and are formed as citizens,” said Dr. Maria on the occasion of the signing of the memorandum of understanding. “That is why, alongside the State Police, we strongly support ProgettoRispetto, an initiative that addresses the issue of gender-based violence with clarity and depth, providing concrete tools to schools and families to educate about recognizing others, consent, and freedom of expression. Our commitment as a Foundation has always been aimed at building more aware, supportive, and inclusive communities. This project represents an important step toward a society in which no one is discriminated against or harmed for who they are. An initiative in line with those we have been promoting for years
in schools throughout Italy, offering young people the opportunity to participate free of charge in live streaming events designed to make them reflect on the most urgent social issues.”