C’era una Svolta: The Award That Says No to Gender Stereotypes

A strong and incisive initiative to dismantle prejudices and promote equality: the “C’era una Svolta” competition, promoted by CGIL, CISL, and UIL of Metropolitan Milan on the occasion of March 8th, International Women’s Rights Day. A project aimed at secondary schools in the Milanese territory, with the goal of raising awareness among the younger generations on the issue of gender stereotypes, inviting students to engage with the theme through educational projects.

Participating classes were invited to create educational projects (videos, drawings, written works) that conveyed a message of breaking away from stereotypes. A fundamental starting point was the reading of the publication “KNOW THEM TO AVOID THEM” A brief dictionary on stereotypes associated with gender-based violence and secondary victimization, edited by the University of Milan, as part of the MUSA project. The “There Was a Turning Point” competition did not limit itself to stimulating reflection but also offered concrete support to schools: the prize, a total contribution of 3,000 euros, will be allocated to school activities to encourage further educational initiatives.

Of note is the publication of a booklet that collects the works of some classes, including 1H and 2D of the Monteverdi middle school in Milan, the result of collaboration between Human Hall, CGIL, CISL, and UIL, which represents an important testimony of the commitment of the new generations in combating gender stereotypes. The commitment of the unions CGIL, CISL, and UIL in promoting gender equality also extends to the world of work, where role stereotypes continue to influence choices and opportunities. The school, in this context, plays a crucial role: raising awareness among students from an early age is essential to counter the spread of prejudices that limit individual freedom and perpetuate inequalities. To celebrate the journey made by the schools, on April 7th, the Sala Alessi of the Municipality of Milan will host a meeting with the students and teachers who were part of the competition jury.