Global Engagement

Since ancient times, humanity has known the phenomenon of the “diaspora.” It is a complex term, and it can be reductive and misleading with respect to more common words in everyday language such as "immigration,” especially when we observe the phenomenon of the African diaspora in Italy. The diaspora, in fact, concerns not only people, but can also refer to the dissemination of a culture outside of the places and cultural groups in which it arose. "Diaspora" and "dissemination" are thus two sides of the same phenomenon and indicate the forced removal in one case and the opportunity to extend one's culture in the other. The third event of the Africa Beyond Stereotypes series dealt with the role of women in the African diaspora in Italy. This dialogue with Dr. Mbiye Diku uncovered some key elements that determine the capacity for action - but also the limits - of these women in Italy, the links with their culture of origin, and the challenges they face vis-a-vis the challenges white Italians face. Without any expectation of exhausting such a vast topic, the dialogue promoted awareness of the complexity of a phenomenon in which African women are protagonists, of the importance of the role they play in Italy, and of their significant social and cultural contribution.