Being a Girl Today: Difficulties and Opportunities
Written by: Elisabetta Nistri
On October 13, WFWP Italy organized a conference in cooperation with the European Parliament office in Italy to celebrate the 30th anniversary of WFWP and the UN International Day of the Girl Child. The event was held in the prestigious Hall of Flags of the European Parliament in Italy. More than 60 people attended in person and 30 more attended virtually. Dott. Carlo Corazza, the head of the European Parliament office in Italy, said he was honored to host our event and welcomed us again in their new building where they organize events for youth.
Prestigious speakers then contributed to the topic Being a Girl Today: Difficulties and Opportunities. Mrs. Elisabetta Nistri, President of WFWP Italy, had chosen the topic to highlight the difficult situation of many girls who do not have freedom, such as in Afghanistan or Iran. Unlike the situation of young girls in Italy who have rights and opportunities, many times girls in other countries have lost their dignity and the value of their life.
A teacher and a mother next shared their difficulties in relating with children due to their extensive social media use. The children listened to influencers more than to their own parents which can make children more vulnerable to the dark side of the metaverse...
Ms. Barbara Schiavulli, a journalist, reported about her experience of her mission in Afghanistan. With the help of a donation from WFWP Padova, she was able to save a little girl who was otherwise in danger of being sold to pay the rent of the house where she lived with her mother and three other sisters. Ms. Schiavulli was also able to help other children that had no blankets in the cold winter and that hadn’t seen an apple for many months. She shared how she often receives messages from young girls in Afghanistan who tell her they want to commit suicide because they do not see how they can survive. It would be of benefit to all if the girls of the western world could talk to the girls of those countries and learn about their realities. They may find an important purpose in caring for and giving courage to their peers.
Ms. Silvia Sticca, a lawyer, spoke about children’s rights, which unfortunately are not respected in many countries. Dr. Elena Centemero talked about the importance of school education and the contribution of families in transmitting moral values. Ms. Virginia Vandini, a counselor, shared her experience working with youth in schools. Professor Maria Pia Turiello shared her experience working with families in difficult situations. When children witness domestic violence by parents, they grow up with trauma and a warped understanding of family and social relationships.
Many of the speakers shared how they receive inspiration when they come to WFWP conferences. A day later, WFWP organized an informal meeting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of WFWP at the property of Colle Mattia in the Roman Hills. This gathering created an opportunity to talk about how to develop new WFWP activities with the contribution of speakers, journalists, and women leaders in various fields of society.
