Lucrezia Ciotti In her first book , Blowing in the Wind: Women Who Don't Give Up , Giovanna Botteri tells the stories of women who face injustice, hardship, and sacrifice without losing hope. From the Resistance to contemporary battles, the essay published by Solferino gives voice to experiences of courage and solidarity that demonstrate the fundamental role of women in society.
Blowing in the Wind, Giovanna Botteri's book on the strength of women
After a quarter of a century spent covering international events for RAI, Giovanna Botteri has published her first book, Blowing in the Wind. Women Who Don't Give Up , published by Solferino. The book stems from a desire to bring attention to women's experiences that, despite having a concrete impact on society, often struggle to find space in public debate.
The author observes them with a gaze that combines the rigor of journalism with sensitivity for personal stories, placing at the center those who continue to commit themselves despite obstacles, sacrifices, and inequalities.
The reference to Marjane Satrapi , with her image of women capable of “stopping the wind”, sums up the book’s underlying theme: protecting what is important even when everything seems to be going in the opposite direction.
The title also recalls Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind , evoking questions about unanswered injustices and problems that society prefers not to address.
Among the figures evoked is Mirella Alloisio , known by her nom de guerre as "Olga," who participated in the Resistance and witnessed the parade of disarmed German soldiers in Genoa in 1945. After the war, her mission became to help young people understand the value of the democracy and freedom that had been achieved. The book then moves to the present, following different paths but sharing a common concern for others. Dalia , for example, chose to donate the money she received as insurance compensation to the Cucine Popolari, while Aya , who arrived in Italy thanks to humanitarian corridors, has built her future in academic research at the University of Siena. There is also Silvia , who sacrificed part of her vacation to take part in the humanitarian flotilla headed for Gaza. Alongside them are photographer Tina Modotti, Italian soldiers Fabiana and Angela , deployed in Kosovo, and the women who mobilized in the protests in Niscemi or to support the communities affected by the floods in Romagna.
Giovanna Botteri and her book about women who never give up: who is Silvia, and the "Italy" she talks about?
One of the testimonies collected by Botteri concerns Silvia , a worker and mother whose daily routine is punctuated by two jobs and long hours spent away from home. Her financial situation is extremely difficult: she has just seven euros left in her bank account. In the interview with Vanity Fair Italia , the journalist points to her as an example of a reality common to many Italian families: " Silvia is an Italian citizen who works, pays taxes, raises her children, and faces difficulties every day. Silvia is Italy: the country's great heart is made up of millions of women like her ." Her story highlights the human cost of a life spent balancing work and family responsibilities, but also the ability to forge ahead when resources are limited.
Special attention is also given to Gisèle Pelicot , the French woman whose story of violence has attracted widespread international attention. Botteri had followed the case during his time in France and, before meeting her, feared he wouldn't know how to relate to someone scarred by such a traumatic experience. " I was in France, I had followed the whole story and read her book. Before meeting her, I was extremely nervous, " she says. From the meeting, she remembers above all Pelicot's serenity and ability to open up to a new phase of her life. " She told me that everything that had been done to her hadn't touched her soul ," the journalist reports.
In an interview with La Stampa , the journalist explained: " The greatness and immense importance of women in history does not lie in starting fires, which they rarely do: they are the ones who save the flame and manage to protect it despite everything so that it does not go out ." Among these young women is Mahsa Amini , who has become a symbol of the fight for women's rights in Iran.
The book thus gives space to people who, in very different circumstances, tried not to let hardship completely determine their future. For Botteri, however, recognition of their contribution remains insufficient. The final message is an invitation not to consider solidarity and perseverance as marginal gestures: " These women should be honored every day; if the country moves forward, it is thanks to them ." Because, the journalist concludes, it is precisely the victories achieved and defended over time that remind us that, "despite the difficulties, we can do it ."