An Italian feminist who fought against fascism as a partisan during WWII and later became a politician, advocating for women's rights and social justice.
Teresa Mattei, also known as Partigiana Chicchi, was a renowned Italian partisan and politician who left an indelible mark on the country's history. She is best known for her courageous participation in the Italian Resistance during World War II and her subsequent career as a politician, advocating for women's rights and social justice.
Born on February 1, 1921, in Genoa, Italy, Mattei grew up in a family that instilled in her a strong sense of social responsibility. Her rebellious spirit was evident from a young age, and in 1938, she was expelled from school for openly criticizing the Racial Laws introduced by the Fascist regime.
Undeterred, Mattei pursued her passion for philosophy, graduating from the University of Florence in 1944. It was during this period that she adopted the nom de guerre "Partigiana Chicchi" and joined the partisans, actively participating in the resistance against the Nazi occupation.
Mattei's involvement in the resistance led to her participation in the murder of philosopher and Fascist minister Giovanni Gentile. After the war, she was elected to the Constituent Assembly, becoming the youngest member and earning the nickname "the girl of Montecitorio."
In the Constituent Assembly, Mattei served as a bureau secretary and was a candidate for the Communist Party. However, her opposition to Stalinism and Togliatti politics led to her expulsion from the party in 1957.
Mattei's commitment to social justice and women's rights led her to become the national director of the Italian Women's Union (UDI). In this capacity, she introduced the use of mimosa for International Women's Day, a tradition that continues to this day.
Mattei's decision to adopt mimosa as a symbol of International Women's Day was a practical response to the scarcity and expense of the traditional French symbols, violets and lilies of the valley, in rural Italian areas.
Mattei married Bruno Sanguinetti, and they had a son, Gianfranco Sanguinetti, who became a writer. She passed away on March 12, 2013, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy as the last living female member of the Constituent Assembly of Italy.
Teresa Mattei's remarkable life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for what is right. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women around the world to take action and make a difference.
Born in 1893
An Italian politician who played a crucial role in shaping the country's post-WWII government and was a key figure in the Italian Communist Party, known for his efforts to reform the justice system.
