Italy Grapples with Femicide Crisis: Is Meloni’s Government Doing Enough?

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Italy Grapples with Femicide Crisis: Is Meloni’s Government Doing Enough?

By Paul V. Young – TheNationWeek.Com | November 19, 2025

ROME, Italy – A wave of grief and anger is sweeping across Italy as the nation confronts a disturbing surge in femicides.

The recent murder of 29-year-old Pamela Genini, allegedly at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, has reignited a national debate about gender-based violence and the effectiveness of government policies aimed at protecting women.

Genini, a successful model and entrepreneur, was found dead in her Milan apartment in mid-October, the 72nd reported case of femicide in Italy this year, according to the observatory group Non Una Di Meno.

Since then, four more women have reportedly been killed, with six additional cases under investigation.

The rising number of femicides has placed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female leader, under increasing scrutiny.

While her administration has implemented anti-stalking laws and classified domestic violence as an aggravating factor in sentencing, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the root causes of the problem.

“While Europe progresses, Italy regresses to the Middle Ages,” said opposition parliamentarian Alessandro Zan, highlighting concerns about the government’s approach to gender equality.

One particularly contentious issue is the ban on sex education in kindergarten and primary schools, a policy championed by Meloni’s Education Ministry.

Experts argue that comprehensive sex education is crucial for teaching young people about domestic violence, consent, and healthy relationships.

Meloni, however, has framed the ban as a defense against “woke gender theory,” prioritizing traditional family values.

Beyond the immediate threat of violence, Italian women face significant challenges in the workplace and in society at large. Italy’s birth rate continues to plummet, reaching a historic low in early 2025, while women earn significantly less than their male counterparts.

Critics argue that Meloni’s focus on traditional family structures and policies restricting reproductive rights further exacerbate these inequalities, exemplifying the struggles faced by many young Italian women.

Many women find themselves trapped in temporary contracts with limited job security and benefits, making it difficult to plan for their future.

“If I were to start a family on a temporary contract, I wouldn’t receive maternity leave, wouldn’t have job security, and couldn’t afford childcare,” an Italian woman explained. “What incentive is that to have a family?”

The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report paints a stark picture of Italy’s standing on gender equality, ranking the nation 85th out of 148 countries.

While there has been a slight improvement since Meloni’s election, Italy remains one of the lowest-ranked nations in Europe, particularly when it comes to women’s economic participation.

As Italy mourns the loss of Pamela Genini and other victims of femicide, the pressure on the Meloni government to take meaningful action is mounting.

The question remains: can Italy break free from its patriarchal traditions and create a society where women are truly safe, equal, and empowered?