Born: 1953
Biography:
Maria Grazia Giammarinaro (born 23 June 1953) is an Italian judge and policy-maker who has made significant contributions to the field of gender-based violence and human trafficking. With a strong educational background and experience in both the judiciary and government, she has played a key role in shaping legislation and policies to protect the rights of women and victims of trafficking.
Giammarinaro began her academic journey by earning a doctorate in Italian Literature and Sociology from the University of Palermo in 1975. After working as a high school teacher for several years, she pursued a career in law and obtained another doctorate, this time in law from the Department of Civil Law at the University of Palermo in 1986.
Her early judicial work in Rome, where she was appointed as a Judge of the Criminal Court in 1991, provided Giammarinaro with valuable insights into the complexities of gender-based violence. During her tenure, she presided over cases involving manslaughter resulting from medical malpractice, violations of safety regulations in exploitative working situations, domestic violence, and exploitation of prostitution. She actively participated in the national discourse surrounding sexual violence legislation, playing a pivotal role in shaping Law No 66 of 15 February 1996, titled Norme contro la violenza sessuale (Laws against sexual violence).
In 1996, Giammarinaro’s expertise in gender equality and the protection of women’s rights caught the attention of the Italian government. She was appointed as Head of the Legislative Office and Adviser to the Minister for Equal Opportunities, where she provided comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of issues. Giammarinaro played a vital role in the development of anti-discrimination legislation, regulations related to family name transmission, domestic and sexual violence against women, sexual abuse of children, alternative sanctions for women and children in detention, women’s access to voluntary military service, migration regulation, and civil action against discrimination. She also made significant contributions to combating the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking, overseeing the development of Italian legislation on these matters.
Giammarinaro’s leadership and expertise in combating human trafficking were recognized by the Italian government when she was appointed as the Co-ordinator of the Italian Inter-ministerial Committee of Government Action against Trafficking in Women and Children from 1997 to 2001. In this role, she collaborated with various government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and civil society organizations to strengthen Italy’s response to human trafficking and improve communication and partnerships with non-governmental organizations.
In addition to her national responsibilities, Giammarinaro played a vital role in international and multi-lateral negotiations concerning transnational organized crime. She represented the Italian government in the Ad Hoc Committee on the Elaboration of a United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Her contributions helped shape these international legal instruments, demonstrating her commitment to combating transnational organized crime and protecting the rights of trafficking victims.
Throughout her career, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro has been a tireless advocate for gender equality, women’s rights, and the protection of victims of trafficking. Her expertise in these areas, coupled with her judicial and policy-making roles, have helped shape legislation and policies that have had a significant impact on society.