Nine murals in as many squares and public spaces across San Marino, designed by children and young people under 25, express messages against violence against women and gender-based violence. This is the goal of the new competition organized by the Sammarinese Workers' Union (USL) and the Sammarinese Consumers' Union (UCS) in collaboration with the Department of Human Sciences of the University of the Republic of San Marino and the Castle Councils. The competition was presented to the press this morning during a meeting held at the union headquarters in Borgo Maggiore.
The initiative, which focuses primarily on involving San Marino institutions that manage educational programs, from preschools to universities, consists of a contest open to drawings submitted in A3 format by both individuals and groups. In a second phase, following the decision of a qualified jury, the selected works will be reproduced on nine murals, one for each Castle on the Titano.
Two themes are planned: "Enough with violence" and "Together for gender equality and equal opportunities," both with the premise "Even the walls speak for themselves." The official call for entries will be available online on the organizers' websites by the end of this week. Submissions will be open from September 20th to October 29th.
"Only by starting from childhood and continuing through university," stated USL Secretary General Giorgia Giacomini, "can we work to foster a culture of gender respect and promote the value of equality and equal opportunities, recognized as central values in our society. All of this," she continued, "represents a necessary goal for overcoming stereotypes and prejudices, enabling all individuals, men and women, to fulfill themselves in their emotional, social, cultural, professional, and family lives."
"We must always remember," added UCS President Francesca Busignani, "that diversity is not the core value we should focus on, but rather equality, which encompasses diversity and implies equal dignity and opportunity. We hope that the creation of these works will spark questions and reflections that will raise awareness: violence, in any form, is wrong regardless."
Luigi Guerra, Director of the University's Department of Human Sciences, echoed these words: "In this context, teaching isn't just about imparting specific knowledge, but also about a broader culture that isn't always easy to disseminate." In this regard, the initiative consolidates and revitalizes the activities carried out in the city's schools: "The fight against violence against women and gender," emphasizes Laura Gobbi, Director of the Education Department, "is already addressed in teacher training and, with this competition, extends to the citizenship education curriculum for students."
Regarding the murals, the Captain of the Borgo Maggiore Castle, Barbara Bollini, announced, representing her colleagues from other local governments in the Republic, that discussions have already begun: "We have begun discussing the walls where the works will be reproduced, to enhance and support this important and delicate project."
The competition is sponsored by five Secretariats of State: Internal Affairs, Education and Culture, Territory and Environment, Health and Social Security, and Tourism.
