Castellammare, "Women in Sport" at the International Sports Film Festival

The fourth edition of the International Sport Film Festival of Castellammare di Stabia, dedicated to the theme “Women in Sports”, which started on November 24th and will continue until the 29th, combining cinema and social commitment.

In this context, on November 25th – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – the festival, at the conference hall of the Banca Stabiese,  hosted the conference “A shared journey to overcome abuse and stereotypes”, organized in collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Commission of the Torre Annunziata Bar Association.

The already rich program of screenings, testimonials, and meetings was thus enriched by a participatory discussion that placed the presence of women in sport and the community at the center. This debate reaffirmed the urgency of combating discrimination and prejudice, overcoming clichés that still hinder the full recognition of women, especially in contexts traditionally reserved for men.

The event, moderated by Dr. Fiorangela D'Amora – journalist of The Morning of Naples – saw the participation of institutional officials and representatives from the world of law and sports: Attorney Marika Donnarumma, Secretary of the Equal Opportunities Committee, Attorney Pasquale Damiano, President of the COA, Dr. Giovanna Ceppaloni, President of the Court of Torre Annunziata, Attorney Marcello Ambrosino, Designator of A/B/C Referee Observers, Attorney Marilisa Somma, President of the CPO Torre Annunziata, Superintendent Lucia Annunziato of the Castellammare di Stabia State Police Station, Angela Procida, Paralympic swimming champion, a group of girls, referees and assistants available to the OTR and OTS, respectively the Regional Technical Body and the Sectional Technical Body, Dr. Nicola D'Auria and Ciro Sorrentino, Artistic Directors of the International Film Festival.

The proceedings were opened by Attorney Marika Donnarumma, Secretary of the Equal Opportunities Commission, who, in addition to offering opening remarks, emphasized the need for a profound cultural shift to overcome persistent gender inequalities. «The topic is delicate – he stated during his speech – But the combination of women and sport is important because sport is a powerful tool for conveying messages of equality, respect, and parity—the values ​​that underpin non-violence. Through sport, we can reach younger generations and promote a cultural transformation, a true revolution, so that change doesn't remain just an idea.

The Festival, founded with the aim of disseminating important issues related to cinema and sport and with significant social implications, through the Conference has assumed the role of spokesperson for the pressing need for transformation raised by the Equal Opportunities Committee. This is especially true given that this year, as Nicola D'Auria and Ciro Sorrentino stated, the event attracted a significant number of submissions, resulting in 250 projects from 53 countries worldwide. The works presented at the Festival highlighted stories that demonstrate how violence and abuse in sport have ancient roots, testifying to a widespread and enduring problem.

“It is necessary to shed light on these events, denounce them and above all talk about them – Ciro Sorrentino reiterated – because only through dialogue can real change be brought about", he added in conclusion of his speech.

Annalisa Di Nuzzo, Councilor for Education and Equal Opportunities for the Municipality of Castellammare di Stabia, spoke in a personal capacity and to convey greetings from Mayor Luigi Vicinanza. She emphasized the symbolic value of November 25th, an opportunity to reaffirm that violence against women should have no place. She emphasized, however, the need to overcome stereotypes and prejudices to build an inclusive society, emphasizing the administration's commitment to dedicated help desks and initiatives in schools. Regarding sports, she added:"The sport It represents a moment of sociality, sets out rules and paths of growth, and enhances the talent and determination of women.”

The President of the Court, Dr. Giovanna Ceppaloni, described the day's topic as interesting and original. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of sport and the constitutional dignity it has acquired with the amendment of Article 33, a normative dignity that requires reconsidering the relationship between women and sport, historically opposed to access to this discipline.

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The President of the COA, Attorney Pasquale Damiano, agreed with the previous speakers' remarks, drawing attention to the perennial issue of gender differences, which cannot be ignored. He called for awareness in light of the report of World Economic Forum, which ranks Italy 86th out of 140 countries for gender equality. In Europe, he emphasized, the gap is actually double the average.

The contribution of the Superintendent of the Police Station of Castellammare di Stabia is also interesting and of great importance., Lucia Annunziato, who in a technical and incisive speech outlined the procedures implemented in cases of violence. These procedures aim to ensure safety and protection quickly and effectively, providing victims with the necessary protection against recurrence of abuse. She emphasized that these tools should not be considered mere bureaucracy, but  concrete actions to combat violence.

There was no shortage of testimonials from those who experience the daily connection between women and sport and who, with determination and passion, oppose any form of prejudice or abuse. Paralympic champion Angela Procida, after observing that in her discipline—swimming—there are no substantial differences between men and women, raised the broader issue of the lack of equality.

An inequality that concerns not only sports traditionally attributed to men, in which women are still penalised,  but also the relationship between the Olympic and Paralympic sectors. Procida emphasized the need for a cultural shift, which in her view must begin with listening: the ability of those observing this disparity to understand its meaning and translate words into concrete actions to eliminate it.

After the engaging and authentic testimony of the champion from Castellammare di Stabia, the floor was given to Marcello Ambrosino, a Referee Observer in the professional leagues (A, B, and C) and a member of the National Professional Observers Commission. His contribution, deliberately more technical than legal, shed light on the difficulties referees face, difficulties that are amplified when women hold this role.

Several short videos shown during the event showed incidents of abuse and stereotypes: situations in which, following a technical decision or simply the presence of a woman in the referee's jersey—still perceived by many as a male prerogative—the public and officials reacted with offensive chants and verbal abuse.

The protagonist of one of the attacks witnessed in the video, who was present at the conference, explained that such attitudes are commonplace and stem from a clear cultural problem that discourages women from this role. However, she noted that she and her colleagues do not allow themselves to be discouraged from the passion and determination that led them to referee, reiterating the importance of not letting themselves be held back, even by  from undertaking such a career.

The conference was concluded by Attorney Marilisa Somma, President of the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Torre Annunziata Bar Association, who highlighted the persistent inequalities and stereotypes affecting women, both in sports and beyond.

La  The greater freedom of choice granted to her than in the past has not eliminated the verbal abuse and negative labels that continue to humiliate women, especially in traditionally male disciplines. She recalled, quoting Nelson Mandela, the power of sport to change the world, expressing bitterness for those aspects that, when interpreted in a feminine way, still fail to fully realize this power.

Reducing discrimination and guaranteeing equal dignity to women also in sport is the indication that emerged forcefully from this immersive round table, which launched an appeal for collective commitment so that this discipline  It truly becomes a ground of equality and respect. A true training ground for values.