November 25, 2021
Ambassadors and Embassies from Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States in Estonia speak out and take a stand. They join 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” from November 25 to December 10.
The 16-day international campaign launched by the UN Secretary-General takes place every year between November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and December 10, Human Rights Day.
Ending violence against women starts with believing survivors and adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls. Many factors contribute to fighting ad ending gender-based violence: for example, survivor-centered essential services across policing, justice, health, and social welfare sectors and sufficient financing for a comprehensive women’s rights agenda.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data shows that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, have intensified and that the world was unprepared to respond to its rapid escalation. A new UN Women report, based on survey data from 13 countries published on November 24 shows that COVID-19 has eroded women’s perception of safety, both at home and in public spaces, with significant negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. In addition, the current global context of violent conflicts, humanitarian crises and increasing climate-related disasters contributes to an increase in violence against women.
To demonstrate their commitment, support, and solidarity with the global campaign, people all over the world light up their communities in orange, as the orange color symbolizes a brighter, free of violence future for women and girls.
#speak out – silence helps only the perpetrators of violence against women and Girls!
