Italian women are taking to the streets this year for political marches as the country celebrates Women's Day on Saturday.
On Saturday, Italy's three largest trade unions -- Cgil, Cisl and Uil -- have organized a national march in Rome in support of women's rights in the workplace.
Italian trade union leaders and Equal Opportunities Minister Barbara Pollastrini will join the manifestation.
"We must be there in the squares, cities and institutions to hammer home our independence," Pollastrini said.
"We ask for more jobs for women, especially in the south," she added.
Italy remains second to bottom of all European Union countries for the percentage of women in employment, with 46.9 percent compared to the European average of 58.8 percent, according to a report issued by EU statistics bureau Eurostat this week.
Among other national initiatives on Saturday, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano will oversee a special ceremony at the Quirinal Palace in Rome where women who have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields will be honored.
In Milan, the local branch of the Northern League is planning to spurn the day's traditional gift of a sprig of yellow flowering mimosa in favor of distributing 500 cans of pepper spray to women passers-by in a central city square.
"Rather than mimosa, the women of Milan are increasingly in need of safety," said local councilor and Northern League member Matteo Salvini.
"We prefer to give a tool of self-defense to the women who come to see us, instead of soothing our consciences with some little flower that's good for nothing," he added.
Source: Xinhua
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