Page 121 - Atti convegno Ramazzini 2024

Abstract - How Bernardino Ramazzini addressed the topic of women
and work

Bernardino Ramazzini’s work paved the way for studying the relationship
between women’s work and health, a topic that remains highly relevant today.
As early as the 17th century, he described the conditions of female workers and
highlighted specific risks, such as the high incidence of breast cancer among

nuns, thus anticipating the modern epidemiological approach. Over the centu-
ries, women have performed roles closely linked to domestic and caregiving
tasks, but their entry into industrial and technological sectors has introduced
new exposures and risks that are often poorly studied. The persistent under-
representation of women in epidemiological studies has fueled the gender gap
and gender bias, reducing the effectiveness of preventive measures. Recent
data show that workplace injuries among women are increasing, especially in
industrial sectors, and that diagnosing occupational cancers in women remains
challenging. Returning to Ramazzini’s method means addressing these gaps,

ensuring inclusive analysis and a fairer workplace.

’opera di Bernardino Ramazzini ha frequentemente trattato il
tema “donne e lavoro”. Per rappresentare la modernità del
suo approccio appare particolarmente evocativo descriverne
per brevi tratti l’evoluzione fino ai giorni nostri attraverso im-

Lmagini che arricchiscono di riflessioni visive e simboliche la
trattazione.

Un’opera di Giacomo Ceruti, detto “il Pitocchetto”, La lavandaia (1720-1725,
olio su tela, Fondazione Brescia Musei) (Figura 1) può utilmente illustrare l’”at-
mosfera” dell’epoca in cui Ramazzini ha vissuto ed operato. L’artista è noto per
il suo realismo e per la capacità di rappresentare con grande umanità la vita
dei più umili, i cosiddetti “pitocchi”. Questa scelta pittorica lo avvicina molto a

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