Nilde Iotti: The Feminist Pragmatism that Changed Italy

Historical Context: Post-War Italy and the Status of Women

In post-World War II Italy, women still found themselves in a position of profound social and legal inequality. Despite gaining the right to vote in 1946, Italian society remained strongly patriarchal, with women primarily relegated to the roles of wives and mothers. The working world was dominated by men, with women often confined to low-profile and underpaid positions. The legislation itself reflected this disparity: the Civil Code of 1942, still in force, enshrined the subordination of wives to their husbands and severely limited women's rights in family and economic matters.

In this context of deep inequality, a generation of women emerged, determined to fight for their rights. Their feminism was not a theoretical exercise or a battle of principles, but arose from concrete, daily necessities: the right to work, equal pay, maternity protection, and access to education. Among these pioneers, Nilde Iotti stood out for her pragmatic vision and her ability to translate women's demands into concrete political action.

The Rise of Nilde Iotti: From the Resistance to the Top of the Republic

Born in 1920 in Reggio Emilia, Nilde Iotti began her political journey during the Resistance, fighting against fascism and for the liberation of Italy. This formative experience led her to join the Italian Communist Party (PCI), where she quickly demonstrated her political and organizational skills. In 1946, at just 26 years old, she was elected to the Constituent Assembly, becoming one of the 21 women who participated in drafting the Italian Constitution.

Iotti's career in the PCI was characterized by a pragmatic and concrete approach. While deeply rooted in communist ideology, Iotti understood that real change could only occur through gradual reforms and constant dialogue with other political forces. This vision allowed her to gain respect and authority even outside her party, paving the way for a series of historic firsts.

In 1979, Nilde Iotti became the first woman to hold the position of President of the Chamber of Deputies, a role she maintained for 13 consecutive years. This achievement was not just a personal success but represented a turning point in Italian political history, demonstrating that women could reach the highest institutional levels through their competence and commitment.

Nilde Iotti's Contribution to Women's Rights

Nilde Iotti's political action was characterized by a constant commitment to women's emancipation, translated into concrete legislative initiatives and broad cultural battles. Among her most significant contributions:

1. Family Law Reform: Iotti was among the main promoters of the 1975 reform, which introduced legal equality between spouses, abolished paternal authority in favor of shared parental authority, and recognized the rights of children born out of wedlock.

2. Workplace Equality: She fought for the approval of the law on equal treatment between men and women in the workplace (1977), which prohibited discrimination based on sex in job access and career progression.

3. Maternity Protection: She supported the expansion of working mothers' rights, contributing to the approval of laws that guaranteed greater protections during pregnancy and maternity leave.

4. Divorce and Abortion: Although Catholic, Iotti strongly supported the laws on divorce (1970) and voluntary termination of pregnancy (1978), considering them fundamental for women's self-determination.

Iotti's approach to these issues was always characterized by enlightened pragmatism. She never limited herself to ideological proclamations but worked tirelessly to translate equality principles into concrete norms capable of truly affecting the lives of Italian women.

Iotti's Feminism and the Comparison with "Woke Feminism"

The feminism embodied by Nilde Iotti and her contemporaries was distinguished by its concreteness and ability to achieve tangible results. It was a feminism rooted in women's real experiences, addressing practical issues such as the right to work, equal pay, maternity protection, and access to education. These pioneers' battles were often accompanied by personal and professional sacrifices, in an era when the very idea of a woman in politics was considered revolutionary.

Comparing this approach with the so-called contemporary "woke feminism," significant differences emerge:

1. Concreteness vs. Symbolism: While Iotti's feminism focused on concrete legislative and social changes, woke feminism tends to give more importance to symbolic or linguistic battles, such as the use of inclusive language or media representation.

2. Unity vs. Intersectionality: Historical feminism sought to unite women around common goals, while woke feminism tends to emphasize differences between groups of women, sometimes fragmenting the movement.

3. Pragmatism vs. Ideological Purism: Iotti and her contemporaries were willing to compromise to achieve concrete results, while some currents of modern feminism tend to prioritize ideological purity, even at the cost of losing opportunities for real progress.

4. Focus on the Masses vs. Elitism: Historical feminism addressed common women, seeking to improve living conditions for the majority, while woke feminism is sometimes criticized for focusing on issues that primarily concern cultural or academic elites.

5. Collaborative Approach vs. Antagonism: While Iotti sought dialogue and collaboration even with different political forces, some currents of contemporary feminism adopt a more antagonistic approach, risking alienating potential allies.

It's important to emphasize that this comparison does not intend to diminish the importance of contemporary battles for gender equality, but rather to invite reflection on how the pragmatic and results-oriented approach of the past can offer valuable lessons for the present.

Nilde Iotti's Legacy and the Challenges of Contemporary Feminism

Nilde Iotti's legacy in Italian politics and society is immense. Her work paved the way for generations of women in politics, demonstrating that talent and determination can overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers. The laws and reforms she contributed to continue to shape the lives of Italian women, guaranteeing rights and opportunities that once seemed unattainable.

Iotti's pragmatic and results-oriented feminism offers important insights for the contemporary feminist movement:

1. Focus on Concrete Objectives: Remembering the importance of pursuing tangible and measurable changes in women's lives, beyond cultural and symbolic battles.

2. Building Broad Coalitions: Learning from Iotti's ability to create consensus and cross-cutting collaborations to achieve common goals.

3. Inclusivity and Representation: Ensuring that the feminist movement continues to represent and fight for the rights of all women, not just specific groups or elites.

4. Balance between Idealism and Pragmatism: Finding a balance between loyalty to principles and the willingness to compromise necessary to achieve real progress.

5. Historical Continuity: Recognizing and celebrating past successes, using them as a source of inspiration and as a basis for future battles.

In conclusion, the figure of Nilde Iotti reminds us that true female progress requires not only passion and ideals but also pragmatism, perseverance, and the ability to translate aspirations into concrete actions. In an era when the debate on women's rights is often polarized and abstract, Iotti's example invites us to return to the essence of feminism: the struggle for true equality of rights and opportunities for all women, in every aspect of social, economic, and political life.

Her legacy challenges us to be not only theorists of change but concrete architects of a more equitable and just future. As Nilde Iotti's life demonstrated, it is through constant commitment, dialogue, and the ability to translate ideals into concrete laws and practices that society can truly be transformed. It is up to us, heirs of this tradition, to take up the baton and carry forward the struggle for equality with the same determination, wisdom, and pragmatism that characterized the work of this extraordinary pioneer of Italian feminism.

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