In a progressive step on gender neutrality, Torrita di Siena’s council has announced that nursery children will no longer be assigned pink or blue uniforms. Starting this September, new entrants will choose between a yellow, green, or red apron – an initiative intended to move past rigid gender stereotypes and embrace greater autonomy for young learners.
In Summary:
- New apron colours (yellow, green, red) replace traditional gendered aprons.
- Aim: Break down gender stereotypes, encourage choice.
- Faces political backlash from conservative quarters.
The traditional pink-for-girls and blue-for-boys model is being replaced in favour of an inclusive palette designed to spark self-expression and reduce bias. However, the move hasn’t been without controversy; the right-wing League party criticised the policy, demanding, “Hands off our kids, enough ideology, get back to serenity.”
Naturally, the conservative right has missed the point. A girl wearing pink may not be the stay-at-home, child-bearing woman they (not-so-secretly) hope she will be. Similarly, a girl in blue is not going to be eschewing boys simply because her parents allowed her to wear blue.
By letting children wear other colours – although removing the options of blue and pink completely is not ideal either, to my mind – they can grow up with independent thought and some element of self-determination. But we must not forget, it is the parents who generally have the final say in such matters.
Finally, the Siena nurseries will not be the first to make the move. A look on any website selling school uniform will show there is already a wide variety of colour choice beyond the traditional blue and pink.
A broader push toward gender-inclusive uniforms
This initiative in Torrita di Siena is part of a wider shift across Italy and beyond.
In Salice Salentino (Puglia), a kindergarten opted for a green unisex apron rather than pink or blue, aiming to foster “a more open and inclusive mentality” in students. The decision sparked fierce debate among right-wing politicians decrying “gender theory” in schools.
In Castelfiorentino (Tuscany), more than a decade ago, a primary school symbolically insisted all children wear blue, highlighting how ingrained colour norms are, and how they can be creatively challenged.
Looking beyond Italy, Egalia, a preschool in Stockholm, Sweden, has taken inclusivity to another level by eschewing gendered pronouns entirely, opting for a neutral pronoun (“hen”) and inclusive role models in its books and curriculum.
These examples reflect a growing recognition that uniforms, and the colours we choose, can shape how children learn about identity and equality. Italy’s horrendous femicide record is proof that that needs to be addressed.
Editor’s personal note
As a child fiercely determined to express myself (and – full confession – not much has changed), I wholeheartedly believe school uniforms should offer choice beyond just the gender-typical pink and blue. I’m all for other colours being available.
Between you and me, the tomboy younger me would have selected blue over pink any day. Let’s keep uniforms colourful and empowering, and break with stereotypes.
