In a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, Sodalitas Foundation and Giulia Cecchettin Foundation have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening the role of businesses in promoting a culture of respect, gender equality, and the prevention of violence—both within and beyond the workplace.
This partnership is rooted in shared values and a common vision. On one side, the Sodalitas Foundation stands as a leading force in corporate social sustainability, civic engagement, diversity, and inclusion, notably through its Equal Opportunities and Workplace Equality Charter. On the other, the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation—established in 2024 by the Cecchettin family—channels personal loss into collective action, working to combat gender-based violence through education, training, and advocacy.
Together, the two foundations reaffirm their commitment to building impactful alliances that drive meaningful societal change. By leveraging the expertise and influence of the business community, this collaboration seeks to promote a much-needed cultural shift toward respect, equality, and accountability.
Engaging Businesses as Catalysts for Social Impact
A key pillar of this initiative is the active involvement of companies within the Sodalitas Foundation network. Through awareness campaigns, training programs, and structured dialogue, businesses are encouraged to take a proactive role in shaping inclusive, safe, and responsible work environments—ones that actively prevent discriminatory and violent behaviors.
As Alberto Pirelli, President of the Sodalitas Foundation, highlights: “Preventing gender-based violence and promoting respect are integral to corporate social responsibility and to creating long-term value for society. This shared commitment has already led to awareness initiatives targeting businesses, which we also aim to extend to schools—empowering future generations and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Echoing this vision, Gino Cecchettin emphasizes the transformative potential of corporate engagement:
“Today, companies have the opportunity to lead real cultural change—not only through policies and procedures but by rethinking organizational models and their impact on everyday relationships. Education in respect within companies goes beyond the professional sphere; it addresses the individual as a whole. By investing in education, we create a broader impact on people’s lives and contribute to reshaping the wider cultural system.”
Launch Event: Driving Dialogue and Action
The collaboration officially launched with a high-level workshop hosted in partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo at the Gioia 22 skyscraper in Milan. Titled “Responsible for the Future: Promoting Respect and Prevention Within and Beyond the Workplace,” the event brought together business leaders and experts to explore the evolving role of companies in addressing gender equality and social responsibility.
The workshop featured contributions from prominent voices, including Alberto Pirelli, Gino Cecchettin, and Andrea Forghieri, Executive Director for Social Impact at Intesa Sanpaolo.
Rethinking Work, Relationships, and Sodalitas Foundation and Giulia Cecchettin Foundation Join Forces to Advance Gender Equality and Prevent Gender-Based Violence
With insights from the Scientific Committee of the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation—including sociologist Stefano Ciccone and Professor Barbara Mapelli—the workshop provided companies with both strategic perspectives and practical tools to strengthen their role as agents of social change.
Discussions focused on the evolving nature of work and its impact on gender relations. As organizational models shift and the boundaries between professional and personal life are redefined, companies are uniquely positioned to challenge entrenched stereotypes and foster more inclusive cultures.
Beyond policies addressing discrimination and harassment, the dialogue underscored the importance of deeper cultural transformation—one that actively involves men as part of the solution. Gender equality and respect were framed not as competing priorities, but as shared responsibilities and opportunities for collective growth.
Special attention was also given to the transformation of parenting roles and family dynamics. The conversation highlighted the importance of progressive corporate policies—such as parental leave—and the role organizations can play in advancing equality by learning from and aligning with broader European practices.
