Italian Women Make Progress In Status

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28260, 24 April 1957, Page 2

Italian Women Make Progress In Status

The distinguished Italian journalist, Anna Garofalo, has just completed a book in her native tongue called “The Italian Woman in ‘ Italy,” which reviews the struggle and the progress made by women since the Liberation, says an article in “Widening Horizons,” the journal of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women. Although their record of achievement is magnificent, the women themselves are far from satisfied and are now turning their efforts in the direction of Parliament, where the major obstacles to much-needed laws in their favour seemed to be lodged, says the article. In 1956, however, one victory was reported when a bill was voted which enabled women to serve on juries and practice in courts for juvenile cases. Women members of Parliament had sought to put through a bill admitting women to judgeships, but this provision was laid aside in favour of the compromise which, at least, gives them a place on juries, says the article. Women in Parliament The combined efforts of 11 women in Parliament achieved passage of a bill which creates a Women's Police Force for the prevention and repression of crime among women and juveniles. The force will consist of 1000 members who will neither wear uniforms nor carry arms. They will be empowered to investigate cases concerning women and minors, they will be issued search warrants and will also supervise the treatment of minors under arrest. Among bills which women, as individuals and through such organisations as the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, are

most eager to see at least brought to the floor of the House, but which have been tabled thus far, is one which abolishes houses of prostitution. This bill was originally introduced by Senator Lina Merlin and passed the Senate, but was pigeon-holed in the Lower House where it is believed that cerain special interests are involved. A male member of Parliament has repeatedly tried to bring in legislation permitting the dissolution of marriages in certain specific cases in which the bond of matrimony procures extreme hardship for the woman. “Little Divorce” The bill, known as “Little Divorce,” provides for annulment when the husband has been sentenced to serve, or is serving, at least 15 years in prison; has been committed by the Court to a men-| tai institution for life or for at least 15 years; has left the country without providing for the support of his wife and children; is known to have obtained a divorce abroad and to have remarried: or when a war-bride abandoned by her foreign husband has evidence of his having obtained a divorce and been remarried in his own or some other country. In all these cases the lack of legal provision for the dissolution of marriage leaves the woman bound for the rest of her life to a man who obviously can no longer have a claim to the status of husband in respect to her and to her children, says the article. Although there is considerable religious opposition to these proposed provisions, public opinion has been showing more and more concern with this problem and is clearly moving in favour of a legal means of solving it, the article concludes.