The prestigious Sala Grande of the Teatro Grande in Brescia will serve as the setting for the second edition of the event “In Nome Loro”, organized by the Gender Commission of the Università degli Studi di Brescia and scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to raise awareness about the issue of gender-based violence. The event is part of the initiatives outlined in Area 5 of the University’s 2025–2027 Gender Equality Plan, with particular emphasis on communication and awareness-raising efforts, and is among the initiatives promoted in anticipation of the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” on November 25.
An introductory address by Gino Cecchettin will symbolically bridge the gap to last year’s event, reinforcing the University’s commitment to addressing the issue of violence against women once again this year. This will be followed by a program of talks and presentations, opportunities for dialogue with the audience, and a theatrical performance. In particular, the first part of the morning will feature a presentation by Francesca Cavallo, an Italian writer and activist famous worldwide for co-creating the international bestseller “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.” Next on the program is a monologue by Cinzia Spanò, who will perform the play “Esagerate! - Più che un aggettivo un’esortazione” (Exaggerated! – More Than an Adjective, an Exhortation). The event will be hosted and moderated by journalist Elisa B. Pasino.
The initiative centers on the closing ceremony of the second edition of the “In nome loro” (In Their Name) graduation award, established in memory of all women who have been victims of gender-based violence. It is a gesture of living remembrance and encouragement directed toward young women committed to their studies and to building a free and informed future. The award is intended for women who graduated from the Università degli Studi di Brescia in the 2024–2025 academic year (Bachelor’s degree) and who defended a thesis addressing topics related to STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), or that addresses topics highlighting an interest in gender perspectives, with particular reference to the promotion of equality, the prevention of violence, and the fight against gender discrimination.
The awarding of four graduation prizes is made possible by the collaboration and financial support of BCC Brescia, Fondazione Museke ETS, Lince Group SRL, and Soroptimist Club Brescia, a sign of the University’s commitment to social engagement with local stakeholders. Each prize consists of a cash award of €1,500.00, and each of the four supporting organizations will award its own prize.
The main objectives of the graduation award are twofold: to honor women who are victims of gender-based violence by raising awareness among the entire academic community (female and male students, faculty) and the general public about the urgent need to combat all forms of violence and discrimination, while promoting a culture based on equal opportunities. The gender perspective is, in fact, recognized as a key element in educational programs and professional careers, with the goal of fostering greater awareness and contributing to the prevention of violence. Secondly, the initiative aims to promote women’s participation in STEM disciplines, highlighting the importance of women’s contributions in technical and scientific fields, which are still characterized by significant gender disparities today. Valuing women’s ingenuity means recognizing an essential resource for the country’s cultural, intellectual, and economic growth, in line with the equality and sustainability goals of the 2030 Agenda.
This initiative is primarily aimed at high school students in the region and was created with the goal of establishing a space for listening, reflection, and dialogue on the issue of gender-based violence. The first edition, held in 2025, generated significant interest, participation, and engagement, receiving an extremely positive response and confirming the need and importance of continuing to promote new opportunities for meeting and sharing ideas—particularly among the younger segments of the population—and of strengthening the local network of institutions committed to raising awareness, preventing, and combating gender-based violence.