In Foligno an ethical charter for the progress of women in sport
The Soroptimist International Club Valle Umbra, together with the Municipality of Foligno, has recently taken a significant initiative to promote gender equality in sport, signing the “Women&Sport” Ethics Charter. This important document, the result of the collaboration between the national Soroptimist and Assist – National Athletes Association -, aims to promote gender inclusion and equity policies through the active involvement of Italian municipalities.
The signing ceremony was held on 8 May at the Oratorio del Crocifisso in Foligno, an event which saw the participation of numerous local actors, including the councilor for culture and sport, Decio Barili, and the councilor for tourism, Michela Giuliani. The event coincided with the passage of the Giro d’Italia in the city, included in the “Around the Center of the World” program, dedicated by the municipal administration to this great cycling event.
During the event, Cristina Zappelli, president of Soroptimist Foligno, highlighted the importance of this initiative, underlining how sport can still represent an area in which gender inequality is markedly evident. “Our intention is to work concretely to bridge these inequalities, increasing visibility and support for women in sport,” declared Zappelli.
The “Women&Sport” Ethics Charter aims to address and reduce gender disparities in sport, combating stereotypes and discrimination and preventing violence. The document also places particular attention towards the inclusion of people with disabilities. An inspiration for the initiative was Alfonsina Strada, legendary cyclist and pioneer of gender equality, who competed in Foligno in 1925.
The initiative also saw the participation of athletes and managers of local sports associations, such as Laura Marcantoni and Cristina Mercuri of Atletica Winner Foligno, and Fabrizio Alessi, president of the Tennis Training School Villa Candida, all united in the desire to see a better future and fairer in sport. This shared commitment echoes the hope that the road towards gender equality, although still uphill, will continue to be followed with determination and collaboration at all levels.
