Overview

• European human rights specialist Dunja Mijatovic criticizes Italy's handling of gender-based violence and discrimination against women, citing a 'prevailing and urgent concern'.
• Italy ranks last in the EU for gender equality in the workplace, with the gender pay gap widening, particularly in the private sector where women earn up to 24% less than their male counterparts.
• The report highlights the case of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old who was murdered allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, as part of a broader issue of violence against women in Italy.
• Mijatovic calls for better training of law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities to combat sexism and prejudice, and to improve the treatment of victims.
• In response, the Italian government claims the report is incomplete and incorrect, and highlights new prevention initiatives and funding, as well as its five-year strategic plan to address gender equality.