#OrangeDay
Amazing #orangetheworld kick-off. #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence started! https://t.co/JVnYDw2nf3 pic.twitter.com/lyyUgJCqAP
— Say NO – UNiTE (@SayNO_UNiTE) November 26, 2015
Yesterday, momuments around the world have lit up orange in commemoration. But what is #OrangeDay? And why are we being encouraged to #OrangeTheWorld?
#OrangeDay represents the bright future we want for everyone & so we're going orange! Are you? @UNDP @SayNO_UNiTE pic.twitter.com/eV6hDIYbE7
— UNDP in Sri Lanka (@UNDPSriLanka) November 26, 2015
One in three women
Violence against women remains a critical issue in the world today. The problem of gender-based violence is faced by people and communities all over the world. According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (known as UN Women), an astonishing 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
1in3 #women globally experienced physical or sexual violence https://t.co/dBZcGntl4J We cannot stay silent #16days pic.twitter.com/t0qhdZaLbS
— UNHCR-Syria (@UNHCRinSYRIA) November 26, 2015
In some countries, estimates rise up to 70% of the female population. In order to spread awareness and help bring an end to this, the United Nations launched a campaign. The 25th of each month has been designated as Orange Day by the United Nations campaign UNite to End Violence Against Women.
16 days of action
The 25th of November and Orange Day marked the beginning of a continued campaign of action. For the sixteen days until Human Rights Day on the 10th of December, people are invited to become activists to ‘Orange the World’.
Empower women and girls through education to break the cycle of violence #16Days https://t.co/GUPjrqTM38 #orangetheworld
— UNESCO (@UNESCO) November 25, 2015
This ’16 Day Campaign’ began in 1991, and seeks to unite the world in a series of events designed to expand awareness, and help to bring an end to gender-based violence. In Istanbul, the campaign started off a week early. The Istanbul Marathon ‘went orange’ in order to highlight the campaign.
#OrangeYourWorld
#Vine: @UN commemoration of Int'l Day to End Violence against Women,kicking off #16Days of Activism. https://t.co/svLN6Qvjpu #orangetheworld
— UN Women (@UN_Women) November 25, 2015
#OrangeYourWorld and #OrangeTheWorld are the United Nations methods to encourage activism. World monuments have been illuminated in orange lights, but the aim is not merely symbolic.
#16days of activism to end violence – Amina is 1 of #16girls who embody strength https://t.co/aCiTpow62c @UNFPA pic.twitter.com/HYM6k9spJT
— United Nations (@UN) November 26, 2015
Through activism throughout the sixteen days, and a continued series of campaigns throughout the world, ordinary people are being encouraged to bring gender-based violence to light. Information is the most powerful tool to end injustice. With the efforts of UN Women, and millions around the world, violence against women can be dealt a powerful blow.
