ABI: banks' commitment to combating gender violence is growing, sector initiatives

Training , communication , collaboration : these are the three directions along which the banking sector 's initiatives against gender violence are moving, a commitment to which banks are dedicating increasing attention. This is what emerges from the survey Gender violence: prevention and contrast. Bank initiatives , promoted by ABI among its associates with respect to the activities carried out by the banking sector up to September 2024. The survey, in which a sample of banks representing 57% of the sector in terms of total assets and 61% in terms of number of branches participated, highlighted a cross-section of 75 initiatives, over half of which are active all year round (55%), demonstrating the active and widespread commitment to combating this serious phenomenon, both at group level and by individual components.

“Violence against women requires constant attention and shared commitment,” underlined Marco Elio Rottigni , General Manager of ABI. “The numerous initiatives implemented by banks aim to promote understanding and recognition of a complex phenomenon that also has little-known economic manifestations. A commitment that ABI supports, in line with the challenges that guide its activities. Promoting equal opportunities and prevention of violence is a driver of social growth.”

The initiatives to prevent and combat gender violence are part of the activities of inclusion and valorization of diversity developed by the sector, a theme at the center of D&I in Finance, the annual conference organized by ABI and realized by ABIeventi in its third edition in Milan. The commitment of the banking world to combat gender violence and all forms of discrimination is also demonstrated by the initiatives, measures and tools shared with the sector trade unions both at national level and in companies and banking groups.

The aim of the survey was to provide a mapping of the initiatives implemented by banks in the field of prevention and fight against gender violence, including domestic violence, in all its possible forms (physical, economic, psychological), attributable to the scope of the ABI and FEduF (Foundation for financial education and savings established on the initiative of ABI in 2014) Protocol with the Department for Equal Opportunities at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of October 2023, an occasion that strengthened the sector's commitment to equal opportunities.

The initiatives identified by the survey were implemented independently by the banks (27%) or in collaboration with various partners, including third sector entities , FEduF and ABI , broadening the impact and promoting a solid support network. The activities include internal and external training (49%), events (29%), communication (23%), listening channels with expert staff, company regulations and policies, fundraising and dedicated product and service solutions for customers, through a multidimensional approach.

A high percentage of the initiatives are aimed at company personnel (85%), demonstrating the importance given to awareness-raising and internal training. Other recipients of the initiatives include anti-violence centers and third sector organizations (37%), customers (35%) and schools (30%), demonstrating the intergenerational approach and the role of banks in supporting communities. Furthermore, 55% of the initiatives are active throughout the year, ensuring a constant presence in the activity against gender violence.

The combined use of in- person and digital modalities (54.7%) shows the desire to reach the widest possible audience, compared to the geographical areas and communities of reference. When in-person, initiatives are mainly carried out at the municipal level (60%); when they extend their reach to the digital world, coverage expands to the national level (55%) and also abroad.

The initiatives use various communication channels, such as corporate intranet, websites, social media, newsletters, apps, training platforms, podcasts, radio, listening desks, video pills and infographics, prevailing an integrated and modern approach to the dissemination of information and awareness.