"Many women have found the courage to report [abuse]," Equal Opportunities Undersecretary Boschi said at a ceremony at the presidential palace, citing Notaro as an example of courage.
"Things can change. Many women of peace have been victims of abuse and today they work for the rights of other women.”
Notaro, a 28-year-old former beauty queen who trains sea lions at a Rimini water park, was attacked with acid in January by her former partner, Edson Tavares, who is now in jail.
She left a hospital in Cesena a few days ago following three operations, two on her face and one to her left eye.
The surgery was successful but Notaro will not know for a number of weeks whether she will fully regain her sight.
The domestic violence survivor took to social media on Wednesday, sending a heartfelt message to women across the world.
"Best wishes Women!!! And remember that no one, and I say NO ONE, can be allowed to trample over our dignity! Happy Women's Day to all women... and a special thanks to all those men who know the meaning of the word RESPECT. "
Meanwhile, many Italians commemorated International Women’s Day by participating in an international strike called to protest against discrimination and gender violence.
The widespread strike affected operations in the public transport, education and health sectors.
In Rome, a 24-hour transport strike led to the closure of all three of the capital's metro lines.
A positive notice came from the OECD on Wednesday, stating that Italy ranked fourth among its member states in terms of equality in the salaries of men and women.
The organisation added that the gender pay gap in Italy was 5.6 per cent, much lower than that of Australia, which currently stands at 18 per cent.
With ANSA
