In the conservative, rural territory of the Monferrato women have traditionally been relegated to the classic, mundane jobs of housewife, office worker, cleaner. There was little possibility of independence through a challenging or creative career. The alternative was to immigrate to the city. But things have changed for the younger generation, who are able to choose creative, demanding and satisfying careers for themselves while remaining in the country. This reportage is about four young women who have chosen to stay in their beloved Monferrato and do just that.
Gloria, the youngest at 21, has taken on the running of her grandfather’s farm, with more than 100 head of cattle. At the same time she goes most days to the university in Turin where she is studying to be a vet. She has already expanded the number of cows on the farm, as well as other animals – donkeys, pigs, sheep. She cannot imagine doing anything else, and can’t bear to be away from the animals she loves for more than a few days.
Anna, after studying cultural anthropology, travelled and lived abroad for some years, mostly in S. America. Then the desire to move back to the tranquility of the Monferrato, where she decided to revive the ceramics laboratory of her aunt and uncle, an activity very close to her heart, and has now created her own style and outlet, at the same time sharing the responsibility of her two daughters with her partner.
Georgia immediately created a successful start to her career as a sculptor in metal after graduating from Art School in Turin, producing large sculptures that were eagerly bought by local wine producers, farmers and private gardens. Her grandfather was a blacksmith and her father works with farm machinery, so she feels she has metal-working in her veins. She also has the use of the family workshop and tools, enabling her to remain at home and spent time with her dogs and horse.
Silvia studied archeology, but when she realised she would have to live abroad to conduct her career she decided to stay in the Monferrato. She was always intrigued by bees, and so she bought a couple of hives, and from there she has continued to expand, creating a successful business selling her honey, pollen and other bee products.
