Giornata internazionale per l'eliminazione della violenza contro le donne - Matematica, singolare femminile

On the occasion of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women," an observance established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, the social promotion association, with the sponsorship of the Municipality of Castellana-Grotte, ViviCastellanaGrotte will renew its commitment to combating gender violence.

Since 2013, the association has been engaged in ongoing informational activities and the annual proposal of public events on the topic. In recent editions, in particular, the aim is to give life to events that focus on themes such as gender education, gaps in educational-professional opportunities, stereotypes in communication, female empowerment, the emergence of latent resources, self-determination, and the development of personal potential, powerful levers capable of effecting individual and social change.

Every year, the association ViviCastellanaGrotte involves the town's school population in the major discussion topics revolving around this designated date by presenting exceptionally high-caliber female figures, who can serve as inspiring role models for the women of tomorrow, "a generative force of virtuous emulation," to use the words of American sociologist Robert K. Merton.

For the annual edition of the event, with the contribution and sponsorship of the Municipality of Castellana-Grotte, an event will take place on the morning of Monday, November 25th, at the “Viterbo” Study Center in Piazza Caduti Castellanesi, on the theme "Mathematics, Singular Feminine."

The initiative targets a representation of students attending the second and third grades of the secondary schools "S.N. De Bellis" and "Viterbo" in Castellana-Grotte.

Angela Martiradonna, a researcher and lecturer in General Mathematics at the Department of Economics of the University of Foggia, will participate in the initiative, during which copies of the book “Sofia Kovalevskaja. Vita e rivoluzioni di una matematica geniale” by Alice Milani, Coconino press, will be donated to participating schools.

During the meeting, presented by Daniela Lovece, director-in-chief of ViviCastellanaGrotte, and following the greetings of the mayor of Castellana-Grotte Domi Ciliberti, the town councilor Davide Sportelli, and the head of Sector II Anita Paolillo, the presence of Professor Martiradonna, the repository of an extraordinary life and professional journey, will create space for a debate on topics such as women in STEM, equal treatment, and opportunities in academic, institutional, and professional contexts.

There will be projections of materials, games, and quizzes. Finally, there will be the presentation and gifting of copies of the chosen volume.

For information: info@vivicastellanagrotte.it

The protagonist

Angela Martiradonna is a researcher and lecturer in General Mathematics at the Department of Economics of the University of Foggia. After graduating with honors in Mathematics, she developed a strong interest in mathematical models applied to ecology, which led her to complete a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a thesis on the dynamics of fish populations.

Subsequently, Dr. Martiradonna collaborated with the Institute for Applications of Calculus M. Picone (IAC) of the National Research Council (CNR), participating in international projects focused on biodiversity conservation and managing invasive alien species. During this period, she developed mathematical models for environmental analysis, contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources.

After three years as a researcher at the Department of Mathematics of the University of Bari, she continued her studies on differential models applied to environmental protection. Currently, at the University of Foggia, she teaches General Mathematics and continues her research on economic models for environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

Dr. Martiradonna also applies mathematical models to social issues, such as gender equality. Within the Horizon Europe Seeds project, in collaboration with the University of Bari, she studied gender dynamics, analyzing the impact of structural and educational factors on professional opportunities. Using predictive modeling, she demonstrated how inclusive policies can reduce the gender gap.

Dr. Martiradonna’s evolving career shows how women can play a key role in scientific and technological fields, inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in the STEM world. Her career is an example of how passion and dedication can lead to significant achievements, promoting sustainable solutions to address global challenges.

The volume

“Sofia Kovalevskaja. Vita e rivoluzioni di una matematica geniale” by Alice Milani, Coconino press.

Scientist, writer, revolutionary, Sofia Kovalevskaja was a pioneer of women's rights and a brilliant mathematician. Her story is also that of an indomitable, supportive female community that, by dreaming and fighting, opened new paths in the fermenting Europe of the second half of the 19th century. Alice Milani floods this biography with light from her colors, weaving the narrative with irony, mixing drama and comedy. Guiding the reading is Sofia's enthusiasm, her ability to withstand adversity, while her battles resonate with those of today's women.
Web: www.vivicastellanagrotte.it...