International Women's Day - from Judy

We were downtown on Saturday 8 March, and happened on this demonstration about about 2-3,000 people walking and chanting and singing down Via dell'Independenza.

The photo on the top left shows the literature or info table of the official women's organisation in Italy, like the National Action Committee on the Status of Women in Canada (used to be). On the table are sprigs of Mimosa. Every women in the demo wore a sprig in her hair, her lapel or carried them. Even the big supermarkets sell Mimosa the day before and on Mar. 8. The problem is much of the celebration is of course commercialised. So the other day in our local suburban style mall, the jewellery shops were crowded with men buying their girlfriends or wives gold trinkets for Women's Day. Also I noticed most museums and galleries had free admission for women on the day. Top right banner reads, Middle left banner looks as if it's from a local women's shelter and reads "The Women's House will not submit to violence -- Bologna." Middle right banner says "Between rights and silence -- we pursue the struggle." The bottom photo the six foot cutouts of women doctors-- the complaint is that there are too few here. Especially because abortion is a serious political issue in the upcoming election. Now the law is approximately what Canada's is. However too few women doctors mean too few doctors will provide abortions, as men are starting to opt out of doing them-- which they are allowed to do. Fewer hospitals permit abortions. The morning after pill is legal, but only certain pharmacies will sell them, which is not legal, but it happens all the time. Women also want the French "abortion" pill 486 legalised here, but it is not.

In the photos you will see the famed Bologna porticoes down Via dell' Independenza, and you will see most of the women and men participants are 40 yrs. plus. Very few children in the demonstration, but I think I can find a dog with a sign (see below). Daverro. (Really).


Giuditta, left, with her mimosa flowers with an orchid, in our suite.