In a historic move, deputies in the Italian parliament have voted unanimously to establish femicide as a distinct crime, defined as the murder of a woman motivated by gender, and punishable with a life sentence. This decision was particularly symbolic as it was made on a day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide.
The urgency for such a law was underscored by the shocking murder of Giulia Cecchettin in late 2022, which reignited conversations about the safety of women in Italy. Giulia, a 22-year-old victim, was brutally killed by her ex-boyfriend, a crime that shocked the nation and catalyzed calls for legislative action.
The law was enacted amid public and parliamentary outrage against gender-based violence, reflecting a growing recognition of femicide as a serious societal issue. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been a key proponent of the bill, which was backed by both her right-leaning government and opposition parties, who united in the wake of this alarming trend.
From now on, every murder of a woman motivated by her gender will be recorded as femicide, allowing for better understanding and monitoring of these crimes. Judge Paola di Nicola, a key figure in drafting the law, stated, This law means we will be the first in Europe to reveal the real motivation of the perpetrators, which is hierarchy and power. She emphasizes the need to classify and study femicides rather than framing them in terms of passion or jealousy.
The law's introduction comes at a time when Italy is also grappling with relatively low ranks in the Global Gender Gap Index, revealing persistent issues of inequality. Advocates argue that while the legislative measure is crucial, it must be part of a broader strategy to address gender inequality and societal attitudes towards women.
Despite the progress, critics point to the vagueness of the law and the challenges of proving gender motivation in crimes, particularly as most perpetrators are known to their victims. Nevertheless, many see the law as a significant step towards fostering national dialogue and commitment to ending violence against women.
As society begins to confront these deeply rooted issues, the new femicide law stands as a testament to Italy's evolving stance on gender-based violence and the collective will of its people to demand justice and equality.
