Bosnia, Embassy and UN united against gender violence

(ANSA) - SARAJEVO, 21 SET - On 20 September, the Italian Embassy in Sarajevo organised two significant events dedicated to the fight against feminicide and discrimination against women and girls: the inauguration of the Embassy's 'red bench' and a new screening of the film 'C'è ancora domani' by Paola Cortellesi. The initiative is the result of a partnership with UN Women, the UN agency committed to promoting the advancement and development of the status of women.
    On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, had asked the offices of the Italian diplomatic network around the world to install a red bench. As the Minister stated, the red bench is a symbol: the empty place left in society by a woman victim of feminicide. The initiative - to which the Embassy in Sarajevo immediately adhered - is therefore intended to signify the commitment of MAECI and all the institutions to promote gender equality and women's emancipation, and in particular to prevent and oppose all forms of violence and discrimination.
    At the end of the brief opening ceremony, there was then the screening - at the Cineplexx in Sarajevo - of the film 'C'è ancora domani', box office champion in Italy in 2023. The film had already been screened in Sarajevo as the opening film of the Days of Italian Cinema in Bosnia and Herzegovina, attracting an excellent response from the public even then. Thanks to the collaboration with UN Women, it was possible to secure a second screening, again noting an excellent response from the local audience. Among those present, in addition to numerous representatives of the international community and civil society, were the State Minister for Civil Affairs, Dubravka Bošnjak, and her Chief of Cabinet; the Minister of Justice of the Canton of Sarajevo, Darja Softić Kadenić; and the current Mayor of Novo Sarajevo, Hasan Tanović.
    The event was then enhanced by the screening - immediately before the film - of a video message of thanks to the Embassy and UN Women by Cortellesi herself.
    Speaking at the opening of the event, Ambassador Di Ruzza proudly recalled how the film, besides representing not even a year after its release a 'contemporary classic' of Italian cinematography, can be considered as the vehicle of a universal message, as authoritatively confirmed by the interest in its screening by a UN agency.
    In the coming months, UN Women will ensure further screenings of the film in other locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the occasion of the "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence" campaign.