It is possible to contribute to the fight against feminicides and prevent acts of violence against women (also) with the regenerating force of green? Yes and the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) is convinced of this, which – with the Italian Academy of Biofilia (AIB) and Algaxia – gives life to the project “Red forest“, Which will soon start in Lazio and then in the main Italian cities.
The basic idea is simple and powerful at the same time: the urban green areas abandoned or scarcely used can be redeveloped to become a women’s size network, combining the beauty of nature with the need for a welcoming and protected environment: recover green spaces from degradation, in short, and make natural tools for the prevention of violence, abuse and harassment against women.
The parks will also be equipped with discreet video surveillance systems – explains Sabrina Zolla, president of Algaxia, association promoting the initiative – equipped with artificial intelligence, designed to protect safety without compromising the serenity of the place.
What is the red forest
It is an innovative urban and environmental redevelopment initiative, designed as a refuge and anti -violence park. A sort of safe and inclusive space that will provide a protected environment, with particular attention to women’s safety. In situations as first appointments or delicate encounters, where vulnerability can be greater, the red forest will offer a good alternative to live these moments in a natural, welcoming and above all supervised context.
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Urban green infrastructures increase happiness perceived up to 15% and reduce aggression between 10 and 15%. The presence of trees and green spaces improves the perception of safety, lowers stress and anxiety levels and contributes to better mental health and quality of life, declares President Sima, Alessandro Miani.
Because red forest can work …
The creation of green spaces recovered to degradation can be a good approach to the prevention of violence, abuse and harassment against women. These spaces, if designed with attention and inclusiveness, can act as safe and protected places, where women can find a sense of belonging and community, far from the isolation that often characterizes situations of abuse. The recovery of degraded areas, which otherwise could be a source of vulnerability, offers the opportunity to transform difficult urban contexts into environments of psychological and physical well -being. The design of gardens, parks and accessible green areas favors not only the aesthetic and environmental improvement, but also the strengthening of social tiescreating a support network that can contrast the solitude and fear that women victims of violence often feel.
Nature plays a decisive role in the reconnection between human beings and the environment: daily contact with natural elements active beneficial neurophysiological responses, strengthens the sense of belonging and reduces urban alienation. Environmental psychology, neuroscience and behavior sciences confirm that biophilic environments improve well -being, empathy and social cohesion – says Rita White, president of the Italian Academy of Biofilia (AIB),
In addition, the presence of well -kept and safe green spaces represents a symbol of resilience and claim of women’s right to live in freedom, without the fear of being victims of violence or harassment. The quality of these places directly affects the perception of safety and the ability to face trauma immediately.
… but that’s not enough
Yes, because the fight against gender -based violence cannot be reduced only to the creation of safe, albeit fundamental spaces (in any case, the change in social and cultural structures must be at the center of the prevention strategy). Gender violence is urgent question of mentality, distorted perceptions and prejudices rooted that feed the cycle of violence itself. Changing the vision that people have women and their rights is an essential and priority step.
Only through an education that promotes gender equality and mutual respect, starting from schools to institutions, will it be possible to avoid the perpetuation of violent behavior. The culture of responsibility, which must start from men but involve the whole society, is a key element, fighting the stereotyped and reductive representations of women, who relegate them to passive roles, and encourage a change of mentality that encourages equality and dignity, preventing episodes of violence from being justified or minimized.
Alongside the physical recovery of urban places and the creation of green spaces, the prevention of gender violence must therefore also pass through a profound rethinking of social values. Public policies, awareness campaigns, legislation and, above all, the active participation of civil society are necessary tools to dismantle that patriarchal culture that still feeds gender inequalities today.
The new podcast
In a few days the new podcast will be released on all listening platforms Good luck, produced by GOOD LUCK And co-produced by Buytron and Greenme, created to shake consciences and get to know more points of view through the voices of experts, activists, victims and journalists.
Seven episodes (plus 2 extra) between voices, experiences and possible solutions: in each of them a precise theme will be tackled: from economic to psychological violence, from secondary victimization to the impact of trauma on the brain, to the rehabilitation paths for the authors of violence.
Will be available from 8 July. We tell you all here: “Good luck”: the podcast that breaks the silence on gender violence is coming.
