Alfonsina Strada became the first woman to ride the Giro
d’Italia, and in turn a national hero. In 1932 an Academy was
launched for women in Orvieto. Trained in housework, health,
hygiene, home economics and social discipline, graduates were
similarly sent to schools across the country. Considered
important preparation for motherhood, sport and physical
exercise were included among their disciplines, even if Fascism
was torn between directing women towards childbirth and its fear
of international sporting embarrassment. This was one of the
regime’s toughest dilemmas: how to reconcile the idealized woman
with the modern female athlete. Convinced that size equalled
domestic and international power, Mussolini demanded a large
population. Financial assistance and tax reductions encouraged
men to marry early and father numerous children, with taxes
imposed upon bachelors. With motherhood of national importance,
women became heroic Fascist figures, awarded medals of honour
and incrementally increasing cash prizes f