On Friday, June 20, the headquarters of Mediterranea Association for Local Development in Alezio (LE) hosted the first participatory meeting of the project “Souni dal Mediterraneo”, with a focus on gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence, specifically in its often-overlooked form: economic violence.

The project, funded by the Apulia Region, launches a cooperation path between Italy and Greece, aiming to stimulate dialogue and joint action on key social issues affecting both communities. At the heart of this initiative is music as a universal language, capable of building connections, awareness, and change.

A Women-Led Meeting to Understand, Act, and Transform

The event saw the active participation of many women and the involvement of key local organizations such as Fondazione Libellula, Cooperativa Jonathan, and Alleanza Assicurazioni. It was a practical, participatory, and meaningful dialogue with a clear and urgent goal: to strengthen women’s economic independence as a tool for self-determination and a key strategy to prevent and combat violence.

The discussion went beyond technical tools and touched on cultural and social aspects: how to manage a bank account independently, organize a personal or family budget, and build an economic path toward autonomy. Because talking about money is not just a financial issue — it’s a matter of freedom, justice, and equality.

Economic violence is often invisible. It manifests through control, restrictions, lack of access to resources, or dependence on family members. Many women, though managing children, households, and important decisions, lack financial autonomy — a condition that can silently undermine their freedom. Educating women in financial management is, therefore, a political and social act, a necessary step toward equality.

A Shared Network for Change: Italy and Greece in Dialogue

This workshop is part of a broader strategy of social inclusion and cohesion, promoted by Mediterranea in collaboration with the transnational partnership “Junior Band” in Italy and Spartan Studies Society in Greece. It is guided by a Cooperation Protocol signed by public institutions, associations, schools, businesses, and stakeholders, aiming to build a Euro-Mediterranean network committed to women’s empowerment, intercultural dialogue, social innovation, and equal opportunities.

“Sounds of the Mediterranean” will continue in the coming months with a series of participatory meetings and cooperative actions between the two countries, with music as a central, unifying narrative to foster shared awareness and mutual understanding.

A Journey Just Begun

This first meeting marks the opening of a public space to discuss women and society, economic independence, gender-based violence, social justice, and inclusive communities.
It’s an open invitation to join the conversation, share stories, build alliances.
Change is a collective journey — stay tuned, many more events are on the way.