The symbol of the #fight to end #violence against #women is red like blood, which is also the color of the 33 pairs of 'Zapatos rojos' (red shoes), the artwork by Elina Chauvet. This has become one of the symbols of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, but it isn't the only one. Another red symbol has been chosen for today, #25November: a #RedBench. The bench is a staging area, a stopping place to draw attention to a tragedy that continues to take place every day. It symbolises the place occupied by a woman who is no longer there, taken away by violence. So, if you have ever wondered why only one bench is red, now you know! And if you have never noticed before, now remember the meaning every time you walk by. We show our commitment not only by installing the red bench, but also with what we're used to doing best: continuing to #promote a culture of #equality and removing stereotypes by spreading knowledge with research, studies, a bibliographic guide, and other activities. Worldwide, violence against women affects one in three women. ISTAT data show that one-third of women have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. And, in Italy alone, in 2021 there were 119 homicides with female victims and 103 women killed in family/emotional settings, an increase over 2020. Not only that, but looking at the Red Code report, the increase in revenge porn cases is concerning: +45%. "There is a cultural problem along with an economic one: having an income for women and a job is a strong way to prevent or exit violence. Research suggests that we need to invest in programs that counter masculinity and toxic stereotypes and in policies that support women's participation in the labor market" explains Paola Profeta, Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability at Bocconi. Remember that there is a #counseling service available to anyone seeking help (www.unibocconi.it/counseling - [email protected]) @sda_bocconi @bocconialumnicommunity #internationaldayofeliminationofviolenceagainstwomen #25novembre #stopviolence #violenzadigenere