This International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women many iconic buildings and landmarks will be lightened with orange light to recall the need for a violence-free future.
The theme of 2021 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is ‘Orange the world: End violence against women now!’. This year’s theme will mark the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10), an initiative of 16 days of activism that will conclude December 10, International Human Rights Day.
This campaign is led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008 and aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, call for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.
According to a report by UN Women, 1 in 3 women are have been abused in their lifetime and this number has increased tremendously during COVID-19. The report also suggests that 2 in 3 women either themselves or someone they know has experienced some form of violence and are more likely to face food insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help. While gender-based violence is pervasive, it can be prevented. We can prevent the violence by ‘believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls. With survivor-centred essential services across policing, justice, health, and social sectors, and sufficient financing for the women’s rights agenda, we can end gender-based violence.’
This year’s theme is “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” to raise awareness as orange is our colour to represent a brighter future free of violence against women and girls.
