Today we celebrate a new 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. While around the world, the web and televisions invade homes and smartphones with the faces of men proud to appear warmongering, aggressive, violent, and untouchable, violence against women conquers new records and new forms. It is no longer just a matter of judicial chronicle. It is a humanitarian emergency. Just think of the tens of thousands of fathers or brothers who have lost a daughter, sister, or mother forever to war, the most cynical reason of state, or the most sadistic concept of self-defense.

The dramatic events we witness every day and which fill the web and TV from all over the world, the endless wars in Ukraine and the Middle East being just two examples, show that the culture of violence has never been so widespread. It is important to make a personal choice, even if you are in the minority, that contributes to a strong and unquestioning affirmation of a culture of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human rights. It is urgent to disagree and act accordingly, both in individual lives and political choices involving communities, regardless of nationality. Disinterest and refusal to get involved, and mind one's own business, only contribute to the spread of a culture of violence.

Mercy. It is first and foremost a spontaneous cry of the victims and their families, and one that goes dramatically unheard by too many violent and overbearing men who crowd the streets and the media. This is also the headline of the new communication campaign, conceived and produced by Wild Creative Industry. The campaign is supported by the University of Arts, Tirana, and the Italian Institute of Culture in Albania and Kosovo, which thus join all public Institutions, International Organizations, and civil society responding to the United Nations' call for the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in 2024.

Non-violence activism unfortunately has got used to disappointment, on the one hand, and the de facto impunity of too many violent men, on the other. But true activism never gives up. It is patient. Often silent. Activism gets busy with small things and does not dream big. After 16 days, it continues to operate and count to 365.

The Pietà campaign that the Albanian Daily News publishes today has Italian actress Loredana Cannata as its testimonial, it was conceived by Ernesto Spinelli, and the photo is by Marco Biondi. It is an active choice and a clear declaration of support for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It will take time. Too much time. The commitment may not succeed completely. In any case, never give up. You too make a choice. Share the campaign, and join the strongest culture of non-violence.