Maria Rosa Cutrufelli (born 1946) is a contemporary Italian writer, journalist, and feminist activist. Born in Messina, Sicily, she has spent much of her professional life in Rome, where her work has focused on the intersection of literature, social history, and the female condition.
Cutrufelli emerged as a significant voice in Italian intellectual circles during the 1970s, a period marked by intense feminist mobilization in Italy. Her early publications were primarily sociological and political essays, such as La donna nel fascismo (1974), which examined the status and roles assigned to women under the Italian Fascist regime. This was followed by Disoccupata con onore (1975), an inquiry into the economic and social challenges facing women in Southern Italy.
In the 1980s, Cutrufelli transitioned toward narrative fiction while maintaining her focus on gender and social dynamics. Her debut novel, Donna m'apparve (1980), garnered critical attention for its exploration of identity and personal relationships. Her bibliography expanded to include travel reportage and historical fiction, often centered on female protagonists navigating complex historical or cultural landscapes. Notable works include La briganta (1990), which situates a female character within the context of post-unification Italian brigandage, and Complice il dubbio (1992).
Beyond her own writing, Cutrufelli has been an active participant in the Italian literary community. She founded and directed the literary journal Tuttestorie, which provided a platform for women's narratives and explored the techniques of storytelling. She has also served in leadership roles within professional organizations, including the Associazione Nazionale Scrittori (National Writers' Association). Her contributions to Italian literature have been recognized with several awards, and her works have been translated into multiple languages.