Ragusa, Enough is Enough protest: "Female toponymy penalized"

The association AdessoBasta is once again urging the Municipal Administration of Ragusa on the issue of female toponymy, considering it crucial not only for collective memory but also for the cultural and civic identity of the community.

"In the past - it is stated in a note from the association - we had formally proposed to the mayor the naming of public spaces after two women from Ragusa who, through their commitment, have significantly contributed to female emancipation and the improvement of society in our area. To that request, to date, no response has ever been received. We learned from a recent press release from the Municipality's press office that the new nursery school on Australia Street will be named after Don Luigi Giussani, an authoritative figure in the educational field. Without delving into the merits of the choice, we find it necessary to highlight another point: it appears to be in evident contradiction with the commitments publicly declared by the Administration regarding the reduction of the gender toponymy gap, as well as with the lack of dialogue with the Women's Council, which should be involved and heard on issues like this."

For AdessoBasta, the naming of a nursery school carries a strongly symbolic meaning, as it pertains to places of care, education, and growth. "Naming a nursery school – a space deeply connected to care, education, and growth – represents an act of strong symbolic and pedagogical value - the association continues - It is a field that, in its history and daily life, has been largely built and supported by the work, competence, and presence of women. For this reason, it is surprising that, once again, the opportunity to give visibility to female figures who have marked the history of education and social progress has not been seized. If the criterion is pedagogical value, there are no shortage of alternatives. Just think of Maria Agamben Federici, Constituent Mother, promoter of a profound reform of welfare services for women and children and committed to the democratic reorganization of the National Maternity and Childhood Agency (Onmi) in support of working and struggling mothers: a personality who, to date, appears not to have any naming in our city. Words alone are not enough. When we talk about equality, rights, and reducing gaps, it is necessary that administrative choices are also consistent and consequential."

From here comes the call for a change of pace. “For this reason, we believe that what happened represents a missed opportunity. We therefore renew our request: to initiate a concrete and transparent process that leads to rebalancing the city's toponymy, restoring to women the place that belongs to them in public memory, starting with the two women from Ragusa, Itria Camera Sbezzi and Rina Lugli Minardi, for whom we have long made a formal proposal, also within the Women's Council, and who are still awaiting proper recognition. The Association AdessoBasta will continue to monitor and propose, with a constructive spirit but with determination, so that Ragusa truly becomes a city capable of recognizing the value and contribution of women.”