FREE! 1946–2026. Women’s achievements

Le Gallerie d’Italia – Milan, are presenting the exhibition FREE! 1946–2026. Women’s achievements, conceived and curated by Renata Ferri. The exhibition project is sponsored by iO Women in collaboration with Gallerie d’Italia – Milan.

The exhibition traces the history of almost Eighty years of women’s achievements in Italy, starting with the vote on 2 June 1946, which symbolised women’s entry into the country’s democratic life.

Via images from major historical archives, it recounts the struggles, social changes and cultural transformations that have marked the path towards emancipation. Work emerges as one of the central elements of this journey: from the post-war rice-paddy workers to the factory and office workers of the economic boom years, women gradually became key players in society, moving beyond traditional roles and stereotypes.

The exhibition also explores the origins and development of the feminist movement, the struggles for fundamental rights such as divorce and abortion, and the legislative achievements that have strengthened women’s freedom and self-determination. Alongside the large-scale collective mobilisations, A special tribute is paid to the women who have contributed to Italian history in the fields of culture, science, public institutions and the arts.

The route ends with the the perspective of contemporary female artists, which, through photographs and multimedia works They shed light on the complexities of the present day, reminding us that, whilst much has been achieved, the path towards true equality is still ahead of us.