Italy
participants
The goal of the event was to promote sport as a powerful tool for social cohesion; the event sought to foster a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment and to encourage a cultural shift towards a society that values diversity, inclusion, and respect through the medium of sport.
The conference we attended on May 13th in the Aula Magna of the Rectorate of the Central University of Messina stood out as a significant event in promoting sport as a powerful tool for social cohesion. With a strong commitment to disseminating principles such as fairness, mutual respect, and tolerance, it addressed with determination the fight against racism, xenophobia, and gender prejudices present on football fields.
One of the highlights was the account of the girls who made possible the refereeing of a Serie A match between Inter and Torino, forming an all-female refereeing team. This initiative not only demonstrated the competence and professionalism of women in the refereeing field but also reaffirmed the importance of normalizing female presence in roles traditionally dominated by men.
During the conference, the President of the Italian Referees Association highlighted the urgency of breaking down gender differences and emphasized the importance of gender education starting from family dynamics to overcome gender stereotypes and barriers.
Furthermore, the testimony of the first Italian Olympic swimming champion emphasized the role of sport in overcoming obstacles and promoting a culture of inclusion and equality.
In conclusion, the conference represented a fundamental moment in promoting a cultural change towards a more inclusive and respectful society through the tool of sport.
