Sinergie per il supporto abitativo a donne vittime di violenza. Il caso di Differenza Donna e Poste Italiane.

Gender-based violence, identified as a human rights violation, remains a pervasive and systemic issue requiring cultural change through prevention and awareness policies. Alongside these efforts, protective measures like psychological support, legal aid, em- ployment pathways, and safe housing are essential. In Italy, the National Strategic Plan to Combat Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence mandates immediate, spe- cialized support for survivors, but significant gaps remain. With 450 shelters across the country, the availability is far below international recommendations. Poste Italiane, in collaboration with the non-profit Differenza Donna, offers an inno- vative model to address these gaps. Embracing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, the company repurposed 10 properties into shelters, providing them rent-free to organizations supporting survivors. Since 2022, this initiative has accommodated 32 women and 30 children across Italy in diverse housing solutions, from emergency to semi-autonomy. Differenza Donna ensures these spaces foster empowerment, communi- ty, and reintegration. Economic independence is another cornerstone of recovery. Poste Italiane launched a professional training program, offering paid internships to survivors, which led to its recognition with the 2020 PostEurop CSR Award. This public-private partnership exemplifies how businesses and NGOs can co-create sustainable, impactful solutions to support women in rebuilding their lives free from violence.