Last week, the second meeting promoted by Fondazione Pizzarotti together with Impresa Pizzarotti took place as part of the campaign “The power to change: TOGETHER against gender-based violence”.

The Parma-based association ‘Maschi che si immischiano’ (Men who get involved), founded in 2016 following yet another femicide in the city and active as a social promotion association since 2021, is committed to combating patriarchal mentalities and all forms of violence against women. Through meetings in schools, companies and sports clubs, social communication campaigns and collaborations with the local community, it promotes reflection and empowerment, particularly among men.

The meeting focused on a fundamental issue: the role of men in combating gender-based violence. The discussion was led by Alvaro Gafaro, President of the association, organisational consultant and coach on negotiation and leadership issues, and Chiara Cacciani, journalist and trainer on gender equality and violence against women.

Through data and concrete examples, aspects such as collective responsibility, stereotypes and cultural conditioning that influence behaviour, relationships and organisational contexts were explored, as well as everyday language which, even unintentionally, can contribute to reinforcing inequalities. The discussion that arose during the meeting confirmed the importance of actively involving men as well: preventing and combating gender-based violence requires awareness, participation and shared commitment.

Impresa Pizzarotti, together with the Pizzarotti Foundation, will continue to promote spaces for listening and growth, because cultural change comes first and foremost from people and organisations.