On Tuesday, 25 November, the Embassy of Italy in Nicosia inaugurated a red bench, placed at the entrance, in support of the initiative launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani to highlight Italy’s commitment to fight gender-based violence. The red bench joins those installed at Italian Embassies around the world, becoming thus a widely recognized international symbol. It represents “the empty space left in society by a woman who was a victim of femicide”, and its red color draws attention to violence, while confronting passersby with its striking tone to raise awareness and prompt reflection.
The fight against gender-based violence remains a central objective of Italy’s foreign policy, as reaffirmed by the recent adoption of the fifth national plan for the implementation of the UN “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. Furthermore, on the occasion of Italy’s return as a voting member of the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2026, the country will devote particular attention to the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls.
Through this gesture, the entire Embassy staff joins the campaign “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!” promoted by UN Women, commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
