June 2nd – Republic Day in Italy and the right to vote for women

Every year on June 2nd, Italy celebrates Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica), one of the most important national holidays. It marks the day in 1946 when Italians were called to vote in a referendum to choose between keeping the monarchy or becoming a republic after the fall of Fascism and the end of World War II.

The result was historic: Italy became a republic, and the Savoy monarchy was abolished. But June 2nd is also significant for another fundamental reason: it was the first time Italian women were allowed to vote in a national election.

The constitutional referendum on June 2nd was the first national vote where women stood alongside men to shape the future of the country. Over 13 million women cast their ballots. This was a powerful symbol of a new democratic era and a milestone in the fight for gender equality in Italy.

Women’s right to vote around the world

Italy was not the first country to grant women the vote, but it was part of a broader global movement. Here are some key facts:

• New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote, in 1893.

• Finland was the first European country to grant full voting rights to women in 1906.
• In the United Kingdom, women over the age of 30 gained the right to vote in 1918, and full equal suffrage (at age 21) was established in 1928.

• In the United States, women gained the right to vote in 1920 through the 19th Amendment.

• France granted women the vote in 1944, and they voted for the first time in 1945.

• Switzerland was surprisingly late: women obtained voting rights at the federal level only in 1971.

Why June 2nd still matters

Republic Day is more than just a celebration of a political change. It is a day to reflect on the values of freedom, democracy, and participation. The fact that it also commemorates the first national vote in which women participated makes it even more meaningful.

Parades, official speeches, ceremonies at the Altare della Patria in Rome, and the famous flyover by the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force aerobatic team) are all part of the celebration. But the true spirit of June 2nd lies in remembering the moment when all Italians, men and women together, began shaping the future of their country.

Why this day still speaks to us

As a teacher, June 2nd holds deep personal meaning for me. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the privileges and responsibilities that come with living in a democracy. I often think of the women of 1946, many of whom had lived through war, hardship, and dictatorship, finally being given a voice in shaping Italy’s future. I think of their courage, their dignity, and their hope.

In my classroom, I try to explain to my students that voting is not just a right, it is a civic duty. It is how we participate in building the society we want to live in. I remind them that people have fought, protested, and even died to gain this right in many countries around the world.

This year, I will use the occasion of June 2nd to talk to my students about the importance of participation, especially with the upcoming referendum on June 8th and 9th. It is a concrete opportunity to make their voices heard and to reflect on the kind of Italy they want. Even if they are not old enough to vote yet, I want them to grow up with a sense of civic responsibility and the awareness that democracy only works if we all take part in it.

Celebrating Republic Day is not just about waving flags, it is about remembering our history, honoring our values, and educating future citizens. That is the true legacy of June 2nd.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

What’s the meaning of 2nd June in Italy?

What are the values celebrated on 2nd June?

Why was the women’s vote so important?

MATCHING EXERCISE – Glossary: Republic Day & voting rights

Instructions: match each English term (Column A) with its correct Italian translation (Column B). Write the correct letter next to each number.

Column A – English Terms

Republic Day
Referendum
Monarchy
Republic
Suffrage
Gender equality
Democracy
Civic duty
Electorate
Historic milestone

Column B – Italian Translations
A. Democrazia
B. Parità di genere
C. Suffragio
D. Dovere civico
E. Festa della Repubblica
F. Repubblica
G. Tappa storica
H. Monarchia
I. Elettorato
J. Referendum

Reply these questions and send me the answer to perbonitranslate@gmail.com.

Your English Teacher