In a historic move, the Italian parliament has unanimously voted to classify femicide as a distinct crime, punishable by life imprisonment, marking a significant step in combating gender-based violence on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The vote occurred in the Chamber of Deputies, where all 237 members approved the legislation, demonstrating rare cross-party unity. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who introduced the bill, expressed satisfaction with its passage, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing violence against women. The law defines femicide as the murder of a woman motivated by gender, hatred, discrimination, domination, or control, particularly in cases involving relationship breakdowns or restrictions on women’s freedoms.
This legislative action was largely spurred by the 2023 murder of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old student killed by her ex-boyfriend, which ignited national outrage and protests. Her sister’s poignant criticism of patriarchal society resonated widely, fueling demands for legal reform. The new law ensures that such gender-motivated killings are recorded and analyzed separately, providing clearer insights into patterns of violence.
Italy now joins Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia as one of the few EU member states with a legal definition of femicide. Judge Paola di Nicola, who helped draft the legislation, highlighted its role in exposing perpetrators’ true motivations of power and hierarchy, rather than attributing crimes to jealousy or love. She believes this will foster broader societal conversations about deep-rooted gender inequalities.
Despite this progress, challenges persist. Recent data from Italy’s National Institute of Statistics recorded 106 femicides in 2024, nearly one every three days, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Italy ranks 85th in the Global Gender Gap Index, among the lowest in the EU, with disparities in employment and other areas exacerbating vulnerability.
Critics, including law professor Valeria Torre, argue that the femicide definition is vague and may prove difficult for judges to implement, calling for more robust economic and educational initiatives to address underlying inequalities. She and others stress that legislation alone is insufficient without complementary measures to promote gender equality and support victims.
In response, Gino Cecchettin, Giulia’s father, has established a foundation focused on preventive education, advocating for mandatory emotional and sexual education in schools to challenge stereotypes and teach respectful relationships. However, such efforts face resistance from some political groups, highlighting the ongoing debate over how best to tackle the root causes of violence.
The law’s passage signals a collective political will to confront femicide, but its long-term impact will depend on effective implementation, monitoring, and broader societal changes. As Italy enforces this new framework, attention will turn to whether it reduces femicide rates and inspires further actions to build a more equitable society.
