Italy has just taken a historic step in the fight against gender-based violence.
Lawmakers have passed a law making femicide — the murder of a woman motivated by her gender — a distinct crime punishable by life in prison.
But why now, and why did it take so long?
The murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend in 2023 shocked the nation.
Her sister Elena said it wasn’t just a “monster” who killed her sister.
She said it was the “healthy son of a deeply patriarchal society,” sparking public outrage and calls for change.
Two years later, MPs voted unanimously to enshrine femicide in law, marking Italy as one of the few European countries to do so.
Judge Paola di Nicola, who helped draft the legislation, explained its significance: “Femicides will be classified, studied in their real context.
Italy Targets Femicide
Talking of such crimes as ‘jealousy’ or ‘exasperated love’ is a distortion. The real motive is hierarchy and power.”
The law covers murders stemming from hatred, control, or subjugation of women and triggers automatic life sentences.
Critics warn that proving gender as a motive could be tricky, while activists argue it must be paired with broader measures to tackle inequality.
Giulia’s father, Gino Cecchettin, focuses on education, touring schools to teach young people respect and empathy.
As Judge di Nicola says, the first effect of the law isn’t just punishment.
It’s sparking a conversation Italy has long avoided: confronting the deep roots of violence against women.
