Instagram Linkedin
DONATE TO THE FEMINIST MOVEMENT

Frequent Asked Questions

  1. Qual è la definizione di FEMMINISMO in cui Semia si riconosce?
    Semia identifies with the values of intersectional feminism, which is a feminist approach that addresses gender disparities comprehensively, considering intersections between different forms of discrimination, exclusion, oppression, and privilege. These can arise from differences in class, cultural background, religion, sexual and relational orientation, gender identity, geographical origin, age, disabilities, ethnicity, and bodies.
  2. Semia funds feminist and transfeminist initiatives. What is the difference?
    The contemporary feminist movement in Italy often self-identifies with the term "transfeminist" to signify the expansion of the gender concept from a binary model to the acceptance of the existence of multiple trans and non-binary identities. Some Italian organizations continue to define themselves as "feminist," and some exclusively focus on cis women (for example, in terms of reproductive health). Semia supports all organizations except those explicitly excluding trans individuals.
  3. What is Semia's stance on the various issues within the feminist movement?
    Semia embraces feminisms in their complexity, recognizing that they work towards a common goal. Regarding controversial issues in the contemporary feminist debate, Semia remains neutral, promoting broad, plural, and safe dialogue for everyone.
  4. Semia uses the term "women+." What does it mean?
    Semia aligns with contemporary scientific positions that define gender not only in relation to an individual's biological characteristics but also in connection to self-perception. It acknowledges the existence of gender variance as part of human variability and uniqueness. For Semia, women+ encompass all those who identify as such. Semia adopts a broad meaning of the term "woman," inclusive of transgender and non-binary individuals who may also face discrimination based on gender and chosen sexual orientation.
  5. Is Semia an independent organization?
    Yes! Semia is a non-commercial, non-partisan, non-religious Third Sector organization that does not depend on private or institutional donors.
  6. Is Semia's team women-only? What is the organizational structure and its governance principle?
    As of now, Semia's team is predominantly composed of women. However, like other organs of the foundation (Advisory Board and Participation Assembly), it is open to all genders. Nevertheless, Semia emphasizes the representation of beneficiary categories within its governance and leadership to gain the necessary perspective and expertise to guide the organization's actions. For this reason, according to the Statute, the roles of president and councilor in the Board of Directors are filled by women+.
  7. Are there external advisors specifically dealing with trans* and non-binary individuals, racialized people and/or those with a migratory background, people of different religious beliefs who can support Semia's team if these specific capacities are not present internally?
    Of course, the Advisory Board is an organ of the foundation created to support Semia's team on specialized issues. It will be a continually growing and collaborative body the will see the participation of feminist experts in key areas and work themes.
  8. What is the Participation Assembly of Semia, and how does one access it?
    The Participation Assembly is a statutory organ that individuals access by sharing the foundation's objectives. By becoming part of it, they contribute with financial resources, relationships, and skills to fulfill its mission with a long-term vision.

    The Assembly offers those interested the opportunity to play a direct role in safeguarding and promoting the rights of women+ in Italy. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to the progress of our country and one of the most urgent causes of our millennium. Access to the Assembly is subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Applications can be submitted by filling out the request form in the dedicated section of the website.

  9. What is the "100 Women" campaign?
    It is an awareness campaign to encourage the participation of the first 100 members in the Participation Assembly.
  10.  Can individuals of other genders join the "100 Women" campaign?
    Yes, it is possible for individuals of other genders who share our values and want to support, encourage, and strengthen our actions. In the "100 Women" campaign, we invite them to join us by dedicating their first donation in honor or in memory of a woman+ who embodies or has embodied these values.
  11. Does the Participation Assembly have the authority to vote on the allocation of grants announced by Semia?
    No, the selection of proposals is carried out by the Board of Directors with the support of the Advisory Board, which ensures the technical and thematic expertise necessary for an effective evaluation of projects.
  12. How can the Participation Assembly monitor the use of Semia's budget?
    The Assembly regularly receives information from the President and the Board of Directors about the foundation's activities. While it can express non-binding opinions, it does not have control functions over the foundation's activities. The proper functioning of the foundation is monitored by the Control Body, more specifically by an external auditor.
  13. Who finances Semia?
    Semia raises funds to distribute to the feminist movement. Like any Italian Third Sector Entity, Semia can receive philanthropic donations from individuals and organizations, institutions, foundations, and others who care about Semia's mission, in addition to benefiting from the 5x1000. For individual donations, the donor's full name and email address are required, and if possible, their residential address and tax code for tax deduction purposes. For institutional donations and significant amounts, Semia conducts a due diligence process based on publicly available data, which varies according to the type of donors, their philanthropic history, and the source of their income. This process aims to identify potential critical issues and reputational risks arising from expressed opinions or involvement in activities that may be incompatible with Semia's mission.
  14. How does the foundation measure the impact of its programs and initiatives?
    Semia adheres to the principles of responsibility and transparency: it monitors, measures, and records activities, budget, and evaluates their impact according to shared performance indicators.
  15. What are the minimum requirements for access to grants for a grassroots organization?
    All Third Sector Entities, even without registration in the National Register of Third Sector Entities (RUNTS), can receive donations from the foundation. Groups, collectives, networks, and other informal organizations can be included in capacity-building activities and networking or receive other forms of in-kind support.
  16. Who selects the associations to which the funds will be allocated? Who is part of the Evaluation Committee?
    The Board of Directors, with the support of the Advisory Board, selects the proposals. However, the Foundation may envisage forms of participatory selection that allow participating organizations in the call to assess proposals and choose the most innovative projects. These methodologies help the foundation better identify the priorities of the feminist movement through constructive and horizontal dialogue.
  17. What does "comprehensive support techniques" entail?
    Semia aims to support organizations comprehensively with capacity-strengthening techniques (e.g., project planning, strategy, and sustainability) and opportunities for connection and strategic alliances with networks, donors, and other stakeholders committed to gender rights. Ours, is a feminist and comprehensive approach that goes beyond financial funding!
  18. What is meant by "flexible funding"?
    Flexible disbursement of funds is typical of the philanthropic model of feminist funds. It means that investment areas can be modulated after identifying issues within their respective contexts and proposing subsequent actions, intervention techniques, and strategies most appropriate for achieving objectives within broad thematic areas.
  19. What is meant by "capacity building"?
    Capacity building is the structural strengthening of organizations in the feminist movement aimed at consolidating existing skills or creating new ones. Semia believes that continuous strengthening of feminist skills maximizes the action and impact of the movement. Therefore, we invest in the structural strengthening of organizations by providing training and consultations in the fields of communication, fundraising, strategy, planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning, advocacy, and more
  20. Are the training modules at the discretion of the selected association, or are they determined by Semia after an assessment?
    The needs for capacity building are primarily identified by the proposing organization. In the case of nascent organizations, Semia can support the identification of needs to be strengthened as an integral part of the accompanying process.
  21. How can one access Semia's networking?
    Semia organizes and promotes initiatives for the feminist movement so that organizations strengthen collaboration and sharing networks, and to create platforms for networking, meetings, and communication at the regional, national, and international levels. Both as a beneficiary organization and as part of the movement, entities can access various networking opportunities (events, conferences, thematic meetings, etc.). By subscribing to our mailing list, organizations can be included in our database and receive the quarterly newsletter with all the news about Semia's calls, events, and initiatives.
  22. Does Semia support trans-exclusive associations?
    Semia's work is inspired by the principles of intersectional feminism, and therefore, it does not finance the work of organizations that explicitly exclude trans individuals and whose mission undermines the rights and dignity of trans* and non-binary individuals.
  23. Can associations dealing with sexual violence against men participate?Semia primarily works with organizations focused on promoting and defending the rights of women and trans* and non-binary individuals. Therefore, organizations with an exclusive mission of defending men specifically do not fall within Semia's scope. However, some organizations may take a broad approach to the issue of violence that includes men. In such cases, Semia does not exclude their participation.
  24. Does the foundation offer volunteer or internship opportunities?
    Yes, we are looking for volunteer collaborators in the fields of communication and development, social networks and community, research, and administration.
Informativa Privacy
en_GBEnglish
it_ITItalian en_GBEnglish
* indicates required