This text is the transcription of the author’s participation at the Italian Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, held in Milan from 4th to 6th March 2007 and recorded by Radio Radicale.
I hope the images exhibited out here have moved you. They are the images of the extraordinary photography exhibition dedicated to many “invisible women”. Because in fact, still today, there are many of these “invisible women”, in the West as well as in the Arab world. Invisible, but only socially. Such strength, such energy which emanates from those photos as soon as a flash of light or colour lights up and heightens the life energy, the human beauty of these women. However, judging from the sight before me, we could be light years away from this reality.
In fact, there are over 400 women present here today in this room, amongst the most visible in their respective societies. Businesswomen. Whose decisions weigh on administrative Councils as they also do on market-based decisions and, often, government-based ones. And, nevertheless, I really insisted that those images of “invisible women” be so close to this room. Not only for a due act of recognition to the hard work, the many essential acts of family and social economics which go unobserved in daily life; but also for a realization which is just as necessary. In fact, here today is a vanguard economic and social plan. A vanguard which can, however, act as a model in some way, as the driving force of an entire generation of women in our Countries, ready to follow your example – if they have the opportunity. It also depends on us, if we know how to open the doors for the others and with the others.
Nevertheless, this is not meant to be a meeting dedicated to women’s rights, nor a female corporate meeting, with perhaps an undertone of positive action. There is much need to work on these aspects, and I myself have put a lot of energy into them and will continue to do so. But not here. This Forum, and the entrepreneurial meetings which will follow, have two clear aims. To stimulate more participation in female entrepreneurism, and to contribute, even through this additional means, towards an intensification of commercial flow and trans-regional investment.
Furthermore, I think that looking at Italy, female entrepreneurism presents encouraging aspects. Once concentrated in the sectors of agriculture, tourism and services, today it is beginning to also grow in the sectors of utilities, construction, information technology and research, transport and telecommunications and financial advisory. And nonetheless, such a crowded room as this, shows how much it is felt, in Italy as in the 18 Countries represented here, this wish to grow and become international, to confront problems and learn, overcoming cultural differences and stereotypes. Because stereotypes, which put down roots all too quickly, and are so difficult to extirpate, never help. They help no one. They do not help us progress, nor do they help others to understand. This is why I, personally, have kept out of it for a long time.
This is, therefore, an opportunity to speak about business. It is an occasion dedicated to female entrepreneurs. And I believe it is also important that this experiment be dedicated to the Mediterranean and to the countries of the Gulf. Perhaps, if it works, we will also try to involve our female friends from other regions. I am thinking of the Balkans, for example. Yes, because Italy is in the middle, in the heart of the Mediterranean and can, therefore, act as a bridge between various regions. We have a good relationship between us; plus, if I put on my minister of International Trade hat, I can note, somewhat worryingly, that – with a few exceptions – Italian exports towards a total of 18 Countries just reaches 8.5% of total exports. And, also looking at imports, if we leave out the energy bill which makes up almost 50% of the total, I think there is a big need – but also room – for improvement in volume and also, and perhaps especially, in dynamism. In short, we can do better, in every direction.
Lastly, I would like to remind you that even in the age of globalization there is the risk of remaining on the margins of change. In short, there is the risk of remaining “non-global” even if we do not want it. In fact, it is up to all of us to overcome, how can I put it?, a situation which can be created. As you know, one of the sacred texts of ‘globalising’ literature, by Thomas Friedman, has as a paradigm, a flat world. You will remember the title. The World is Flat. However, the image which accompanies the logo of this Forum, that of a woman who is energetic, sporty, committed to free-climbing, reminds us it is not always flat. Not for everyone. Some still have to struggle; but they do it with conviction, they do it with enthusiasm, they do it with determination, they do it without complaining: they do it looking ahead. For us, and for our children. For some, it is still an uphill struggle to reach their aim. To grow. For all of us to grow. To grow in our Countries.
For sentimental and distance reasons, please allow me to dedicate a thought – I hope yours too – to an extraordinary woman and still a victim, yes she is, of a totalitarian regime which neither recognises nor respects any base for human life. I would like to dedicate this day and this applause to Aung San Suu Kyi, whom I hope we will soon be able to see amongst us, and not just in photographs and short films.
Translation by Sonia Ter Hovanessian