The Regional Commission for the Implementation of Equal Opportunities between Men and Women "expresses its firmest and fullest solidarity with the Councilor of the Municipality of Quartu Sant'Elena, Monica Sotgiu , the target of unacceptable sexist attacks launched on social media by city councilor Roberto Matta ." The position is set out in black and white in a statement signed by the commission's president , Vittorina Baire , and all the commissioners.
"The use of gender-based derogatory language, especially when disseminated through digital platforms, constitutes a serious violation of respect for the individual and the institution they represent," the commissioners wrote.
Attacking an institutional representative with stereotypical images and sexist insults—the statement continues—"not only does not fall within the scope of political criticism or democratic debate, but it represents a very serious and clumsy attempt to delegitimize her, which this commission firmly rejects."
A clear warning also regarding the use of social media: "Communication channels, both institutional and private, are not safe zones where one can give vent to one's most base impulses and circumvent the fundamental rules of civility and mutual respect."
The commission emphasizes that this incident is not an isolated one: "It seems incredible to highlight it in 2026, but sexist attacks and the use of denigrating stereotypes are not isolated incidents , but rather the symptom of a still-rooted patriarchal culture that struggles to recognize the authority and value of women in institutional roles and in society."
Unfortunately, this episode once again confirms the importance of working to deconstruct gender stereotypes and contribute to the creation and diffusion of a culture of respect, something the Commission will continue to work on, with the firm belief that culture is the first and most effective pillar of a truly democratic and equal society.