International Women's Day in Comiso, dialogues on female leadership

Women’s Leadership Dialogues for International Women’s Day at the Teatro Naselli. The event took place yesterday and featured six successful women sharing their experiences on the stage of the Comisano theater. “Excellence is a Woman – Women’s Leadership Dialogues” is, in fact, the original format that combined testimonies, art, and dialogue with new generations, providing the audience with moments of strong participation, intense emotional involvement along with artistic moments and dialogue with new generations. Instead of a more traditional conference, the audience was offered a true narrative of experiences and paths of female leadership, presenting stories of commitment, determination, and responsibility.

The opening remarks were made by Gaia Straccamore, Étoile and teacher at the School of Dance of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and honorary president of the Ballet & Arts Certification (Bac). Her presence in Comiso was made possible thanks to the Bac certification program promoted by the School of Dance Dietro le Quinte, managed by Aps Labartè. Following her, Maria Rita Schembari, mayor of Comiso and president of the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa; Emanuela Tumino, president of the Order of Lawyers of Ragusa; Sara Lanza, health director of the Provincial Company of Ragusa; and Costanza Di Quattro, writer and playwright, also spoke. Completing the lineup of guests was Clara Di Stefano, Regional Manager Open Fiber for Sicily and Southern Calabria, who participated via video link, sharing her insights in the field of innovation and infrastructure. One of the most significant elements of the event was the direct involvement of the young students from the School of Dance Dietro le Quinte, who engaged with the guests by asking questions and sharing reflections, creating a symbolic bridge between life experiences and new generations. The atmosphere of the day was further enriched by artistic interludes and the presence at the theater entrance of the installation “Zula” by artist Pippo De Petro, which welcomed the audience with a strong visual and symbolic message. The initiative was born from the desire of promoters Vanessa Battaglia and Denise Lauretta, founding members of APS Labartè, along with the Councilor for Equal Opportunities of the Municipality of Comiso Giusi Cubisino, with the aim of creating a space for authentic dialogue between institutions, professionals, and new generations. The event was also supported by the Club for Unesco of Comiso, Pro Loco Comiso, La Fidapa Comiso, and the Anti-Violence Center with the goal of fostering an authentic discussion on the value of female leadership. The success of the day confirms the strength of a clear message: excellence is not a coincidence, but a choice, made of commitment, discipline, and vision.

For this reason, the organizers are already looking to the future, hoping that “Excellence is Female” can become a stable appointment in the cultural landscape of the area. “When women are given the space to truly tell their stories – commented the Councilor for Equal Opportunities Giusi Cubisino – sharing not only their strength but also their fragilities, doubts, challenges, and the freedom of their choices, not only does the individual grow but an entire community grows. It is also for this reason that I strongly believed in this initiative, convinced that it is essential to offer new generations concrete opportunities for meeting, stories of women who, through their commitment and expertise, have been able to build paths of responsibility and leadership. Schools, culture, and dialogue with young people must be at the heart of educational policies. Events like this are not just celebratory moments but real opportunities for growth and awareness, especially for girls and boys who need positive role models and real examples.”

“A different and original way to celebrate International Women’s Day was what I experienced yesterday along with five other friends at the Naselli Theater in Comiso – declared the mayor Maria Rita Schembari – A conversation-interview in which the young students of the Naselli dance school asked us adult women who work in various sectors, from public administration to dance itself, from management in the technological field to theatrical and television writing, from healthcare to the legal aspects of our contemporary life. We answered some important questions about our life choices, about why and how important commitment and perseverance are in pursuing our goals. A delicate, different way, in this approach with the very young that engaged us and, in some ways, even moved us. I thank all the organizers of this event, the associations that supported and sponsored it, the creators of the format, and my Councilor for Equal Opportunities Giusi Cubisino.