On February 6th, 2026, ISI Florence hosted a seminar at Palazzo Bargagli focused on gender equality and plural representations from a transdisciplinary perspective. Johnny L. Bertolio (University of Turin) and Francesca Calamita (University of Virginia) organized the event with support from Loescher publishing house and our institute. The day brought together scholars to explore inclusion, diversity, and gender equality across different educational settings, with special emphasis on Italian language and culture, women’s writing, gender studies, history, archival studies, art history, and European studies.
Stefano Baldassarri (Director, ISI Florence) opened the event, which drew scholars from academic institutions and schools, creating space for international exchange within our institute’s study abroad community. Serena Baldini (ISI Florence) chaired the first session, during which our language professors, Elisabetta Bini, Chiara Marucelli, and Stefania Sani, discussed inclusive teaching methods for non-native Italian speakers. They explored thoughtful language use and digital tools, such as apps and web programs that make learning more interactive.
Prof. Serena Baldini- Professors Serena Baldini and Elisabetta Blini
The second session, led by our Italian language department coordinator, Catia Santi, looked at feminist pedagogy across humanities and social sciences (Francesca Calamita), welcoming practices for migrant students in Prato (Ilaria Bonanno from Tuscany’s Regional School Office), and moving beyond nationalist canons in Italian literature textbooks (Johnny L. Bertolio). These presentations showed how intersectionality and gender equality can strengthen education.
Nina Peci (DEIA officer at our institute) chaired the third session, which examined women’s visibility in archives (Elena Brizio, Georgetown University – Villa Le Balze), art history textbooks (Laura Fenelli, Syracuse University Abroad Florence), and gender mainstreaming in teaching international relations and EU studies (Federica Di Sarcina, Syracuse University Abroad Florence and ISI Florence).
- Prof. Francesca Calamita
- Prof. Catia Santi
Loescher representative Gabriele Zampini set up an exhibit featuring relevant catalogs and textbooks, including Le Vie Dorate and The Queer Muse, both offering non-canonical approaches to Italian literature for language learners.
The presentations revealed the urgent need to rethink educational content, language, and practices through a more inclusive lens. This matters especially for students who arrive in Italy with certain expectations, only to encounter a very different reality. Strong participation from ISI Florence and beyond confirmed the need for transdisciplinary approaches that connect research, teaching, and social action, especially during politically turbulent times. Projects that embrace diversity offer richer perspectives on Italian culture, thus benefiting students both personally and professionally.