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Visions for the future

A documentation by Sabine Lingenauber

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

Speaker: Luana Velis
Giaroni, Loretta: I nostri primi 26 anni. Le date, i fatti, i protagonisti. Reggio Emilia, 1997

Speaker: Luana Velis
Paterlini, Avvenire: Partigiane e Patriote della Provincia di Reggio Emilia. Reggio Emilia, 1977

Speaker: Luana Velis
Gruppi di Difesa della Donna: Donne di Reggio insorgete!! Reggio Emilia, 1944

(*1930)

 

TYPOLOGY OF THE ASILO NIDO

 

Interview

(*1929; †2022)

 

BATTLES AT THE TOWN COUNCIL

 

Interview

(*1927; †2023)

 

ASSEMBLIES

 

Interview

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