Milan, April 21 – Lia Cigarini, a pivotal figure in Italian feminism and the founder of the renowned Libreria delle Donne di Milano (Women’s Bookstore of Milan), passed away yesterday in Milan at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by the bookstore itself through its social media channels, which described her as “one of the most lucid and astute political minds of Italian feminism.”
A Life Dedicated to Women’s Rights and Thought
Cigarini, an esteemed lawyer and jurist, dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and feminist thought in Italy. In 1975, she co-founded the Libreria delle Donne, which quickly became a significant hub for feminist discourse and activism. The bookstore’s statement highlighted her profound impact:
“We lose a great woman, initiator of feminist enterprises, inspirer of paths, a presence capable of opening thought and indicating passages of freedom. We will miss her physical presence, her voice, her unmistakable way of reading situations and almost without hesitation finding the decisive political point. We will miss her rigor and her ability to see deeper and further. We will miss her tapered hands moving to the rhythm of her thought, her smile, the beauty of her face.”
Cigarini was also a prolific author, contributing significantly to feminist literature. Among her notable works is ‘Non credere di avere dei diritti’ (Don’t Believe You Have Rights), published in 1987. She also authored ‘La politica del desiderio’ (The Politics of Desire) in 1995, with an introduction by Ida Dominijanni, and co-authored ‘C’è una bella differenza. Un dialogo’ (There’s a Big Difference. A Dialogue) with Luisa Cavaliere in 2013.
The Libreria delle Donne and the Work Group
Her influence extended deeply into the Libreria delle Donne, particularly within the ‘Gruppo lavoro’ (Work Group), which was established in 1994. Within this group, Cigarini, alongside other prominent feminists, developed original theories on work, especially women’s labor. This intellectual contribution significantly impacted the Italian landscape, inspiring feminist trade union movements and engaging with syndicalists from organizations like Fiom and Cgil, as noted on the Libreria delle Donne’s website.
Legacy and Impact
Lia Cigarini’s passing marks the end of an era for Italian feminism. Her unwavering commitment to women’s emancipation, her sharp intellect, and her ability to articulate complex political ideas have left an indelible mark on generations of activists and thinkers. The Libreria delle Donne, which she helped bring to life, continues to serve as a testament to her vision and enduring legacy.
Her work and dedication have not only shaped the feminist movement in Italy but have also provided a framework for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace and society at large. The principles she championed-freedom, rigor, and a forward-looking perspective-will continue to inspire future generations in their pursuit of equality and justice.
The feminist community in Italy and beyond mourns the loss of a true pioneer whose contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
