Rome, November 20 (Adnkronos) – The fourth edition of the “Together for Women” fundraising campaign, promoted by Bper in support of the Autonomy Fund of the DiRe – Donne in Rete association opposing violence, started today and will continue until November 30. This initiative was created to offer real support to women admitted to DiRe’s network of anti-violence centers and shelters, which annually help more than 20 thousand women, many of whom do not have the economic resources necessary to build a real path to independence.
This fundraiser is dedicated to women who want to leave violent situations and rebuild independent lives. According to DiRe data, 33.9% of women who access these centers experience economic violence, a form of abuse that limits freedom of choice and hinders the possibility of an independent future.
Serena Morgagni, head of the Bper Communications Department, stated: “Bper’s commitment to combating violence against women is focused on the promotion of expanded financial education and the protection of economic autonomy, important tools for women’s freedom of expression in decision-making and to prevent situations of abuse. With this new edition of ‘Together for Women’, we work together with the DiRe association to help women who experience violence and try to build a new life plan: all proceeds from the pooled funds will support their real economic needs. We believe that freedom also comes through economic independence, and we want to be an active part of this change.”
Cristina Carelli, president of DiRe, stated that “Economic violence and the difficulty of achieving full autonomy are often related factors that keep women involved in violence. The ability to work with partners like Bper, in addition to helping hundreds of women thanks to the Autonomy Fund supported by fundraising, allows us to reach a wide audience to raise awareness about issues that are critical to women’s freedom.”
This project is part of Bper’s broader commitment to promote financial independence as a fundamental condition for freedom of decision-making and to prevent arbitrary situations. The Bank implements various initiatives aimed at supporting the most vulnerable groups and promoting broader social and economic inclusion, with particular attention to issues of diversity, equality and inclusion. One of the main tools to support women, last year Bper created – in collaboration with DiRe – the handbook “Together against economic violence”, available on the institution’s website and via QR codes located in branches. This document helps to recognize and overcome economic violence, provides practical indications for the informed use of banking services and suggests useful actions to strengthen one’s autonomy.
To support the campaign, the Bper Group confirmed donations, as well as launching various financial education initiatives, including the “Beyond Pink” webinar, now in its second edition, created with economist Azzurra Rinaldi and Equonomics: nine online meetings dedicated to strengthening women’s financial skills and, as a consequence, to combating economic violence.
People at Bper Group are also involved in awareness-raising and training courses, with particular attention to women’s empowerment and leadership enhancement. The “Together for Women” campaign is being promoted close to November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, established by the United Nations to raise awareness and concrete action against all forms of harassment.
