Born in Turin on December 15, 1963, and holding a degree in Sociology, Giovanna Martelli is an Italian politician, researcher, and humanitarian who has dedicated her career to social welfare, gender equality, and international peacebuilding. After managing social and youth services in Lombardy municipalities (1996–2011) and serving as Vice President of the Province of Mantua, she was elected to the Italian Parliament in 2013, later becoming the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Equal Opportunities, where she coordinated Italy’s first national plans against gender violence and human trafficking. Her profound commitment to the Colombian peace process and the role of women in conflict resolution led her to address the UN Security Council in 2015, serve as an International Election Observer in 2022, and establish the “Ernestina Parra” women’s shelter in Soacha to support victims of violence. Her extensive efforts earned her the prestigious 2022 “She Made a Difference” award from the EWMD network. Since 2021, Martelli has served as the Secretary General of the Rut Foundation, directing prominent research, youth deviance prevention, and cultural initiatives—such as the “Futuri (Im)Possibili” project in Caivano and editing the “Vite di Rut” book series. Additionally, she holds key board positions in religious and social organizations, coordinating the Opera Don Calabria’s participation in the COP 30 climate conference in Brazil and directing the “Terre Vive” sustainable development project across Brazil and Colombia.
