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Pomellato's Powerful Message for Economic Freedom

On March 5, 2026, in celebration of International Women's Day, Pomellato unveiled its ninth annual campaign focusing on a critical issue often overlooked—economic abuse against women. This year, the campaign highlights the quiet yet devastating form of gender-based violence that can strip women of their choice, dignity, and ultimately, their freedom.

Economic Abuse: A Hidden Crisis

Pomellato's campaign, titled Money, Power, Silence: Decoding Economic Violence Against Women, sheds light on the insidious nature of economic control that many women face. As Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato, poignantly states, “When a woman loses her economic freedom, she loses the power to choose her own life.” The message emphasizes that financial independence is not merely a luxury but a fundamental right, deeply intertwined with dignity and freedom.

The campaign begins with a powerful choral video that showcases voices from various realms such as culture, sports, entrepreneurship, and civil society. They confront the harsh reality of financial control—a form of abuse that, unlike physical violence, leaves no visible marks yet can have equally tragic effects on victims’ lives. The video aims to dismantle the silence surrounding economic abuse, encouraging dialogue and increased awareness.

Understanding Economic Abuse

Research commissioned by Pomellato through the SDA Bocconi School of Management outlined three primary forms that economic violence can manifest:

• - Restriction: Limits on access to financial resources, accounts, and important decision-making processes.
• - Sabotage: Undermining opportunities for education, employment, or personal development to prevent independence.
• - Exploitation: Utilizing a woman’s resources or labor to maintain an unequal power dynamic.

These abusive patterns are not isolated incidents; they build upon one another, normalizing dependence and complicating the process of leaving abusive situations.

Voices of Change

Central to the campaign's video is the esteemed actress Jane Fonda, whose long-standing commitment to women's rights resonates through her work. Joining her are notable figures such as Kerry Washington, who advocates for women's representation, and Michelle Monaghan, who emphasizes the importance of collective action against such violence. The video includes vibrant contributions from Italian actresses Benedetta Porcaroli and Isabella Ferrari, each representing the strength of Italian culture across generations.

The international ensemble showcases the necessity of unity in fighting economic abuse. Each voice builds on the message that recognizing and addressing economic abuse is essential for achieving generally applicable prosperity and equality.

Breaking Down the Silence

One of the most significant barriers to addressing economic violence is silence. Pomellato’s campaign sends a clear message: every conversation about economic abuse helps to dismantle the barriers of silence. Recognizing the conditions that constitute economic abuse is just the first step. Through storytelling, awareness, and shared recognition, the aim is to foster an environment where such discussions can occur openly.

A Call for Financial Independence

Pomellato emphasizes that financial independence is vital, suggesting a collaborative effort to achieve economic freedom for women ultimately benefits everyone in society. By confronting the mindset that can equate support to control, the campaign advocates for financial autonomy as a social responsibility rather than a private concern.

In connection with this campaign, Pomellato also renews its support for CADMI, Milan's first anti-violence center for women, and FreeFrom, a foundation dedicated to providing long-term economic solutions for survivors of domestic violence.

Conclusion

Pomellato's ninth annual Pomellato for Women campaign is an essential call to action. Economic abuse is a systemic issue, and through recognition and advocacy, the silence surrounding it can begin to crumble. The voices of those who have been affected highlight the grim truth—invisible as it may be, economic abuse is a form of violence that must be acknowledged and fought against. As the campaign reminds us, financial independence is more than just a goal; it is about human dignity and the right to choose one’s path in life.

Join the conversation, support the cause, and help dismantle the barriers of silence surrounding economic abuse.