Italian Volleyball family to run special campaign in conjunction with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), the Women’s Volleyball League as well as the Men’s Volleyball League will join the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’ – a campaign announced by the United Nations and due to start on Saturday, November 25 – with an initiative run under the slogan ‘A Minute of Noise’. This way, the Volleyball family will also respond to the call of the country’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her office to promote the toll-free anti-violence and stalking emergency number – 1522. 

The Italian Volleyball family wants to play a leading role in such an important movement. The minute of noise will replace the more traditional minute’s silence and will be observed on all volleyball courts this coming weekend. The goal is to raise awareness and stop any form of violence against women. Therefore, before each match, with the teams lined up on the court, and with both male and female athletes displaying red moustaches on their faces, a message advocating for cultural change will be read out. 

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers – and more specifically the Department for Equal Opportunities - has activated a toll-free anti-violence and stalking number: 1522. 

With the teams lined up on the court, after the kick-off and the first serve, the so-called ‘Minute of Noise’ will follow. Anyone posting on social media is invited to use the official hashtag #NonSeiSola (which stands for ‘You are not alone’). 

Moreover, the Women’s Volleyball League will deliver the ‘Scarpette Rosse’ action across all venues playing host to matches scheduled for the first and second division of the women’s national championship. Two pairs of red shoes will be placed next to the teams lined up, to symbolise the total condemnation of any form of violence against women. Immediately after the announcement read by the speaker, the captains of the two teams will be taking the floor to read out another note as well. More than 100 women have been killed in 2023 in Italy, one every 72 hours. “It is time to say ENOUGH. Each pair of red shoes represents a mother, a sister, a friend who could have been here. Join us and all the clubs of the Women’s Volleyball League in reiterating a clear and strong NO to violence against women” the captains will state.