“Storie spaziali per maschi del futuro” this is the title of the new book of the writer and activist Francesca Cavallo. It’s a fairy tales collection, twelve stories that focus the central issue of the formation of male identity in order to modify what is at the basis of gender violence. At the Nassyria Room in Madama Palace to support the debate were present Parliaments Members Giuseppe De Cristofaro (Avs), Marco Lombardo (Az), Riccardo Ricciardi (M5s), Ivan Scalfarotto (Iv) and Filippo Sensi (Pd).
New Fairy Tales to address Patriarchy issues
Francesca Cavallo, whose previous work was “Bedtime stories for rebel girls”, highlights how in the last years the debate on this issue was focused extensively on experiences of domestic violence or the way patriarchy harms women impacting their employment moreover, the loss of women rights. “What’s about the effects of patriarchy on men and children?” This is the question that, this time, the author tried to answers. “The fairy tales offer a fresh perspective on what it means to grow up as a male nowadays, shedding light on the pressures and expectations that come with traditional gender roles” says the writer inviting the public and the other participants to reflect on how patriarchy shapes the lives of men and children and how breaking free from its constraints can lead to a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
The speakers messages
The debate started with the speech of the senator Giuseppe De Cristofaro, who presented a draft law at the Senate to introduce a program of sentimental education in the schools. “We have to work on the culture of consensus and rebuilt the cultural direction” in order to create an educational model that destroy the rigid model we are used to. For him is important to start the change from the school system because: “These matters can not be left to the families anymore”.
Filippo Sensi underlined how also the “narration” is a matter involved in the case of violence and gender issues in general. He underlines how the author made a kind of kaleidoscope about all the pieces that put together the explication of these themes. The education and formation in the public school plays an important role in the prevention of violence against woman but to erase the concept of Patriarchy woman and men have to work together: “The Fairy tales are an approximation on the work we have to do”.
Ivan Scalfarotto underlines the economic and social costs of patriarchy. Studies show the numbers of the men in prison after a crime of violence are more than the women. Women are often killed by the men the have a relationship with. On the cost in terms of economy women are ofter better qualificate than men but have lower incomes and the corporate colure is built up in a way that often discriminate the women, forcing the women to act as men to have a career.
Riccardo Ricciardi addressed the subject referring to the case of Giulia Cecchettin, which has awakened the male consciousness. Behavioral re-education programs have been set up, initiatives which were born out of the case of Giulia. He refers to the loss of rights now when one admits or compromises with equity. We must start to be aware that the road is long. The word future is very interesting because it leads us to an analysis of the past. We are living in a male-dominated and homophobic system the need for change is becoming increasingly necessary.
Marco Lombardo asked how is possible to involve men in this issue that it’s usually promoted by women. The prevention of acts of violence is a matter that should be included by the initiatives for the 25th November. The culture plays a relevant role to defeat this phenomenon in order to overtake the stereotype that only the people subjected to this kind of violence have this problem. The issue affect both genders. Also the economical gap between women and men it’ s a theme that should be included in the analysis, as well as, the theme of paternity for the men. The need of culture and public speeches about these themes could be a beginning for a change for both genders.
Three Keys of analysis of the patriarchy
The debate was concluded by Senator Peppe De Cristofaro. He outlined the goals that the Senate must prioritize to eliminate violence against women. His words resonated as both a call to action and a reflection of the paradoxes that continue to undermine progress. The first paradox, the sensationalization of violence, highlights how society often consumes stories of abuse as entertainment rather than confronting the systemic issues that enable such harm. This practice not only trivializes suffering but perpetuates a culture of desensitization.
The second, conformist transgression, reveals how rebellion against norms often conforms to the very structures it seeks to challenge, particularly in media and cultural depictions. True change demands more than surface-level disruptions; it requires dismantling the deeper roots of inequality and misogyny.
Finally, the victimhood of dominant males—a paradox that arises when those in positions of privilege co-opt the narrative of victimization—threatens to obscure the genuine struggles faced by women and marginalized groups. This deflection serves as a barrier to accountability and progress.
De Cristofaro’s vision for a future society is clear: one that does not merely critique these paradoxes but actively dismantles them. Achieving this requires not only legislative action but also a cultural shift that prioritizes empathy, education, and equity. The Senate’s commitment to addressing these challenges is a step forward, but it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure that these goals transcend debate and translate into tangible, lasting change.
The debate served as a reminder that building a functional and better society is not a passive process; it demands courage, self-reflection, and the resolve to confront uncomfortable truths. The hope is that these discussions will inspire meaningful and concreate actions.
