Empowering Mothers in the Fight Against Femicide: A Reflection on Dacia Maraini's Insights

Dear Readers,

In our mission at Women Rising Strong to honor and support women, this month's focus on 'Inspiring Mothers' leads us to confront a significant yet often overlooked challenge:

The Struggle Against Femicide and Societal Violence.

Dacia Maraini, a well-known writer, recently addressed this vital issue in 'Corriere della Sera.' She highlights how our deep-rooted cultural and social beliefs fuel violence against women. Dacia calls for us to change the way we think as a society. Her insights remind us of the incredible resilience and strength found in every mother and woman who stands up against long-standing biases, working towards a world that's safer and fairer for everyone. Let's delve into her profound observations and see what powerful messages she imparts.

“I believe the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century.”

– Hillary Clinton.

Raptus Has Nothing to Do with Femicides

by Dacia Maraini

January 22, 2024

To counter violence against women, the most effective strategy is to address cultural norms, identity habits, gender disparities, and linguistic misogyny.

The ongoing discussion about the causes of femicides reveals a persistent narrative: some still attribute these acts to mental illness. However, when a phenomenon is as widespread and frequent as femicide, occurring daily worldwide, it's clear that these crimes cannot be simply ascribed to spontaneous raptus. Instead, we must recognize a broader intention of power reclamation. Evidently, there is a shared and often unconscious will to punish. In a patriarchal society, a vengeful anger has emerged, coupled with a desire to restore order in families by targeting women who seek autonomy, freedom, professional recognition, and prestige.

“Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”

- Nelson Mandela

This struggle is indicative of a shift in power dynamics. Historically, the pursuit of new powers has triggered wars among nations and states. This pattern repeats within countries, manifesting as conflicts between established authorities and emerging social realities.

Consider the significant efforts required for workers to achieve social and economic dignity against industrialists, or the peasant revolts against feudal lords. Reflect on the democratic fights against slave owners, and notably, the confrontations between women advocating for voting rights and the governments denying them.

Many individuals, particularly the wisest and most generous, understand these shifts and adapt, albeit sometimes reluctantly. Their intelligence and comprehension recognize that these changes do not signify an identity crisis but rather a relinquishment of certain long-standing privileges and habits.

“Women are the real architects of society.”

- Harriet Beecher Stowe

Conversely, the most ignorant, narcissistic, and fearful individuals struggle to accept these changes and the ensuing loss of power.

Overcome with terror, they react violently against those who challenge the status quo.

The recent case of a young man who attempted to poison his pregnant wife for months before ultimately murdering her with 37 knife wounds is a stark example.

This tragic incident illustrates the extreme lengths some men will go to maintain perceived natural and eternal powers and privileges.

“She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”

– Elizabeth Edwards

SO, HOW DO WE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

If we accept that these are not isolated incidents but part of a global trend fueled by fear of losing a historic masculine identity—a status believed to be divinely granted to the male gender—we must look beyond individual cases.

The only viable solution is to influence culture, identity habits, gender disparities, and linguistic misogyny. These deeply entrenched issues won't be easy to tackle, as their roots extend into the arcane and secretive inner spaces of societal norms.

Dacia Maraini

“A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Dacia Maraini's compelling arguments in "Raptus Has Nothing to Do with Femicides" resonate deeply with our mission at Women Rising Strong. Her call to action, urging a transformative approach to culture, identity, and societal norms, is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women and mothers worldwide.

To tackle the issues raised by Dacia Maraini, we need a plan that covers several areas. First, we should push for better laws and help for victims, like shelters and legal advice. We also need to help women become financially independent through job training and money support. Education is key, both in schools and in our communities, to challenge wrong ideas about gender.

As women and mothers, we can make a difference every day by talking openly about equality, teaching our kids to respect others, and supporting the women around us. We can also help by choosing and promoting media that shows women in strong roles and by getting involved in local campaigns. These everyday actions can lead to big changes in our society.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

— Maya Angelou

As we reflect on Maraini's words, let us recommit ourselves to fostering a world where every woman, especially every mother, can live free from fear and full of dignity. It's a journey of empowerment and growth, one that requires our collective dedication and resilience - qualities that define the very essence of inspiring mothers and women rising strong.

Wishing you strength and inspiration on your journey,

S.A. Sterling

Source: Maraini, Dacia. "Raptus Has Nothing to Do with Femicides." Corriere della Sera, 22 Jan. 2024. https://www.corriere.it/opinioni/24_gennaio_22/raptus-non-c-entra-femminicidi-50012026-b928-11ee-8aa6-3680458504a6.shtml