Ines Piacentini Ferreri. Pioneer of “Wholesome Feminism” in Italy

This article examines the life and “feminist” perspective of Ines Piacentini Ferreri (1875-1961), looking particularly at her publications in the Italian Methodist periodicals, as well as her published books and some unpublished archival sources. It demonstrates through her writing and teaching, as well as her leadership within the life of the church, how her vision of women resonated with a way of life inspired by religious experience and her Christian beliefs. The “feminism” of Ines Piacentini Ferreri was connected to her evangelicalism and inspired by her biblical hermeneutics (e.g. on Luke 10:38-42 and Gen 2:18-25). Her feminist view can be compared with that of another Methodist women of her time, Anita Italia Garibaldi (1878-1962), granddaughter of Giuseppe Garibaldi.