Orange is the new black

Since the 1970s those who stood against a gender based violence free have worn black every Thursday as a silent protest. And for those who think that black is not their colour orange has now been thrown into the mix.

Launched in 2008, the United Nation’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign aims to raise public awareness and mobilise world leaders to pull their resources together in order to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

The campaign calls on all governments, civil society, woman’s organisations, men, the private sector, the media and other UN agencies to band together to bring to an end what has now been described as a global pandemic. In addition, the UNiTE campaign is also seeking ways to actively engage with the youth, celebrities, artists, sports personalities and many more as part of their advocacy initiative.

In July 2012 it was proclaimed to show their support people are encouraged to wear orange on the 25th of each month to raise awareness and social consciousness on the suffering of those vulnerable in our society.

The hopeful outcomes of the campaign include: 

"Adoption and enforcement of national laws to address and punish all forms of violence against women and girls, in line with international human rights standards.

Adoption and implementation of multi-sectoral national action plans that emphasize prevention and that are adequately resourced.

Establishment of data collection and analysis systems on the prevalence of various forms of violence against women and girls.

Establishment of national and/or local campaigns and the engagement of a diverse range of civil society actors in preventing violence and in supporting women and girls who have been abused.

Systematic efforts to address sexual violence in conflict situations and to protect women and girls from rape as a tactic of war and full implementation of related laws and policies", (http://endviolence.un.org/orangeday.shtml).

Other important dates to remember are 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), January 25 (Orange Day).

Remember that you can wear orange or black on these days to show your support and for more information visit endviolence.org