Calia Italia sets up the ‘Codice Rosa Bianca’ room to stand against gender-based violence

On November 25, the International Day for Ending Violence Against Women, the Emergency Department of Matera Hospital inaugurated the new ‘Codice Rosa Bianca’ (White Rose Code) room: a safe and welcoming space designed to offer protection and privacy to victims of violence.
This dedicated room provides a compassionate environment where those affected can find support and understanding during their most vulnerable moments.
The opening was part of Orange the World, Soroptimist International’s global campaign that champions the prevention of psychological, physical, and digital violence, raising awareness and inspiring action to build a future free from abuse.

The institutional meeting on November 24

On November 24, Adriana Macchi, National President of Soroptimist International of Italy, together with Patrizia Minardi, representative of the Equal Opportunities Committee, Sara Minardi, Program Director of the Matera Club, and other Club members, met with Colonel Giovanni Russo, Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri in Matera, at the ‘Stanza tutta per sé’ (A Room of One’s Own), a dedicated space established in 2020 at the Carabinieri headquarters.

Matera’s room is one of 304 spaces established by Soroptimist throughout Italy, a widespread and consolidated project that provides victims a protected environment where they can express themselves without fear or judgment.

The meeting was also attended by architect Saverio Calia, Art Director of Calia Italia, who received the project’s commemorative plaque as a recognition of the company’s contribution.

In her remarks, President Macchi highlighted the human and cultural value of these places with heartfelt and direct words:
“It is possible to break free from violence — and we must — but no one should face it alone. Within these walls, suffering, hesitation, and shame are received and brought into the light. We must learn that silence can kill, and that words can wound even deeper than any act of violence. Women need to be given the credibility they deserve, so they can enter these spaces, turn to law enforcement with full trust, and receive the support they need — because leaving violence behind on your own is incredibly difficult.»

Colonel Russo, in turn, emphasized the importance of these dedicated spaces and recalls the recent renewal of the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between the Carabinieri and Soroptimist, which also introduces the ‘Una stanza tutta per sé… portatile‘ (A Room of One’s Own… portable) project, aimed at expanding the possibilities for protected listening across the territory.

Calia Italia’s contribution

Calia Italia’s support for the project runs deep. In 2020, the company gifted the Mater Familias sofa to the Carabinieri’s room, a symbol of care, resilience, and tradition. This commitment continues today with the new Codice Rosa Bianca room, where an armchair from the Calia Cultura division provides comfort and a welcoming space for those in need.
«The existence of these rooms stands as evidence of a societal failure,» noted architect Saverio Calia, Calia Italia’s Art Director. «It is our hope that, through education and prevention, there will one day be no need for them.«
On this significant day, Calia Italia reaffirmed its support for those who dedicate themselves daily to addressing gender-based violence, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the community.