Fiumicino airport becomes the first purple dot

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the "Leonardo da Vinci" airport in Fiumicino officially inaugurated the Punto Viola project, an innovative and unique initiative of its kind, born from the collaboration between Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and the DonneXStrada association. The Punto Viola aims to provide immediate and visible support to women victims of harassment or violence, representing a safe and listening place within one of the major Italian airport hubs.

 

Purple stickers and screens placed at the main information points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 signal this new initiative. The choice of purple, an international symbol of the fight against gender-based violence, invites women to ask for help in difficult situations with the clear message: "Are You Ok? Ask for help at the info desks". The goal is to make the airport a safe and welcoming place for all passengers, especially those in vulnerable situations.

 

To ensure effective help, around 60 airport staff – including information desk staff, medical staff and airport staff – participated in an intensive training programme. This course, curated by experts in the field, provided participants with specific skills to deal with situations of discomfort with empathy and professionalism. The psychological and legal aspects related to harassment and gender-based violence were also explored, to offer not only emotional first aid but also practical and legal guidance.

 

The CEO of ADR, Marco Troncone, underlined the importance of this initiative by declaring: "We feel the responsibility to make our airports safe and welcoming places for everyone, especially for women in vulnerable situations. With the Purple Point, we make the values of Aeroporti di Roma concrete, contributing to respect and safety for women who travel and work in airports". Ilaria Saliva, president of DonneXStrada, also expressed satisfaction with the project, calling it "a valuable step to create a support network that allows people to be aware and free to choose".

 

The Punto Viola represents only one part of a broader path that Aeroporti di Roma has undertaken to combat gender-based violence. Among the concrete actions already active are the support for local organizations engaged in assisting women and the promotion of awareness campaigns on the issue. This initiative aims to strengthen the sense of community and contribute to the cultural change necessary to build a more respectful and supportive society.

 

The Punto Viola project at Fiumicino airport is an example of how public infrastructures can become active actors in promoting respect, safety and equality. In a place of international transit such as an airport, initiatives of this type can reach thousands of people, conveying a clear message: gender-based violence is never acceptable and collective responsibility is essential to eliminate it.

 

With the Punto Viola, Aeroporti di Roma reaffirms its commitment to a more aware and inclusive society, where every woman can feel protected and respected, at all times and in all places.

Edited by the Editorial staff, Avion Tourism Magazine

Text source and photos: Copyright © ADR Press Office

Photo Rome: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock

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