The "Together for Women" fundraising campaign promoted for the second year by BPER Banca together with D.i.Re - Donne in Rete contro la violenza (Women in the Network against Violence), the association of organisations that manage anti-violence centres and shelters for over 20 thousand women each year, has concluded.

The fundraising campaign, which involved employees, customers and non-customers, was communicated on all BPER Banca channels, in the press and digital media, especially on social networks.

The total amount raised, including donations and the contribution provided by BPER, is 250,000 euro.

The funds raised are destined to D.i.Re's Autonomy Fund, specifically aimed at women who have embarked on a pathway away from violence and who don't have enough economic resources for a real economic and residential autonomy. The 32.2 % of women hosted in the centres managed by D.i.Re have suffered economic violence, a kind of constraint that severely limits the possibility of women to undertake paths of autonomy, not allowing them real freedom of choice.

The President of BPER Banca, Flavia Mazzarella, commented the outcomes of the fundraiser as follows: "I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who contributed to this initiative, appreciating its great value. The funds raised will be handed over to the D.i.Re association, which for years has been dedicated to providing assistance to women victims of violence, with whom we will continue to collaborate in order to interest society in the importance of women's emancipation and the need to create an environment in which women can feel safe, respected and free from all forms of violence. In this context," continues Mazzarella, "the 'Insieme per le Donne' fundraiser represents a significant step forward in our commitment, and the generosity of those who participated will make a difference in the lives of many women who face extraordinary challenges every day".

Throughout the year, BPER Banca will continue its commitment by launching financial education initiatives to prevent the phenomenon of economic violence, including the promotion of financial training and awareness programmes for women to increase their awareness and management skills.

The Bank's employees will also be involved in specific training programmes in order to operate with a higher level of awareness and offer appropriate support and tools for these issues when needed.

The Bank will also produce, together with the D.i.Re association, a vademecum on economic violence, useful for recognising, overcoming and avoiding it.

A concrete effort by BPER, in line with its mission: to be that spark that gives strength to projects aimed at building a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable country. A bank that wants to support and connect people, businesses and communities to help them to develop their ideas, protect them and give shape to a better future.