Serie A players will be sporting a red stripe on their cheeks during the 13th round of fixtures this weekend as part of the league’s initiative, Un Rosso alla Violenza (‘A red to violence’), aimed at combating violence against women. This campaign has been supported by Serie A for eight years, highlighting the importance of addressing physical and psychological abuse faced by women in Italy.
The Lega Serie A has shared some alarming statistics to underscore the ongoing relevance of this campaign. According to the league, 98 women were tragically killed in Italy in 2024, with approximately 86% of these cases involving a loved one or family member. Furthermore, an estimated 31.5% of women have experienced some form of physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, and more than 28% choose to remain silent about their ordeals.
Lorenzo Casini, President of Lega Serie A, emphasized the influential role of football, stating, “Football is not just a sport; it is also a powerful social phenomenon capable of reaching millions of fans. Therefore, we must harness its strength to raise awareness and promote core values such as mutual respect, solidarity, and non-discrimination.”
This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing serious social issues and using platforms for positive change. It is heartening to see sports leagues leverage their influence to advocate for crucial awareness and change.
In summary, the red stripe worn by Serie A players symbolizes solidarity against violence towards women, aiming to ignite conversation and bring vital attention to a pressing societal issue.