Rossana Rossanda (11 May 1924 – 30 May 2020) was an Italian journalist, politician, feminist, and author. She is noted for her role in the left‑wing intellectual and political movements of post‑World War II Italy and as a co‑founder of the daily newspaper Il Manifesto.
Early life and education
Born in Pula, then part of Italy (now Croatia), Rossanda grew up in a family with strong anti‑fascist convictions. After World War II, she moved to Milan and studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Milan, though she did not complete a degree.
Political activity
Initially a member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), Rossanda became a prominent figure within its cultural and theoretical circles. In 1969, disagreeing with the PCI’s stance on the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and other issues, she left the party and helped establish Il Manifesto as a platform for independent Marxist critique. She served as the newspaper’s editor‑in‑chief until 1978.
In 1972, Rossanda was elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies as a representative of the Proletarian Unity Party (PdUP), a splinter group from the PCI. She served one legislative term, focusing on women’s rights, education, and cultural policy.
Journalism and writings
Rossanda authored numerous books and articles on politics, feminism, and literature. Notable works include:
- La cittadinanza vincente (1971) – an essay on democratic participation.
- Femminismo e rivoluzione (1979) – a collection of essays linking feminist theory to Marxist analysis.
- Il secolo delle rivoluzioni (1992) – a historical overview of 20th‑century revolutionary movements.
Her journalism emphasized critical engagement with Marxist theory, anti‑imperialism, and the role of women in political transformation.
Later life and legacy
After stepping down from Il Manifesto, Rossanda continued to write and lecture, contributing to debates on leftist politics and feminism. She received several honors, including the prestigious Premio Napoli for cultural contribution (1998).
Rossanda died in Rome on 30 May 2020 at the age of 96. Her legacy endures in Italian leftist thought, feminist scholarship, and the continued influence of Il Manifesto as a critical voice in Italian media.
