Reconstruction of women’s history of the Reggio Emilia Approach (1943–1973)
From 1943 to 1973, hundreds of women in Reggio Emilia struggled collectively for day nurseries and nursery schools. They did so as partisans, activists, and politicians, together with male and female citizens. Women activists of various generations were united by values, goals, and friendships. Some protagonists continued the struggle as municipal, provincial, and regional councillors, or as members of the national parliament. In this way they continued the work of the “Women’s Defence Groups” (GDD) and the “Union of Italian Women” (UDI). These women translated their values into actions and decisions, thus helping the establishment and spread of
day nurseries and nursery schools in Reggio Emilia:
Ione Bartoli, Eletta Bertani, Giacomina Castagnetti, Sofia Gandolfi, Loretta Giaroni, Lidia Greci, Marta Lusuardi, Carla Nironi.
Resistance
First women’s demonstration of the “Women’s Defence Groups” (GDD) on 8th March 1944. 70.000 Italian women fought as GDD members for the liberation of Italy.
Relationships
First female Councillor for Social Services Ione Bartoli (*1930) in the Regional Council of Emilia Romagna, 2nd session of the 1st legislative period 1970–1975.
Movements
Women and children claim municipal day nurseries from the parliament. Call for a national demonstration by the “Union of Italian Women” (UDI), 31st March 1971, Rome.
Self-governed people’s nursery school (1946)
Marta Lusuardi (teacher, left)
© Photo: Private archive Marta Lusuardi
Oriele Incerti Scaltriti
Anti-fascist, mother of Marta Lusuardi
© Photo: Sabine Lingenauber
Bortolotti, Franca: Donne e Resistenza in Emilia Romagna. Milano, 1978
© Photo: Vangelista Editori