UNiTE’s ‘Orange the World in 16 Days’ Begins November 25th

UNiTE, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, is expanding Orange Day. The campaign called, Orange the World in 16 days begins November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and extends to December 10, Human Rights Day.

The activists and agencies involved in the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” work year round to legislate new and more aggressive laws to prosecute traffickers and abusers. They also offer assistance to stable organizations that support the victims and potential victims.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also called Orange Day was created in 2008 to raise awareness of the widespread physical and sexual abuse suffered by women all over the world. The UN and WHO, along with many other international organizations, seek to educate people with facts and statistics about this global epidemic and inspire action.

Human Trafficking is responsible, according to the UN, for an estimated 500,000 to 2 million people being trafficked annually for slavery, forced servitude, and prostitution. Over 80 percent of these victims are women and young girls.

In the United States of America partner violence costs the country over $5.8 billion every year. The majority of that amount, around $4.1 billion, is used to pay for medical expenses.

Statistics vary regarding the current number of women and girls who have experienced physical and sexual abuse at some point in their life, however the closest is a nearly incomprehensible estimated 70 percent.

UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon’s campaign, UNiTE to End Violence Against Women, has proclaimed the 25 of each month to be Orange Day. People are encouraged to wear orange clothing to highlight the eradication of violence against women all over the world. November 25 has been specifically set aside in honor of the Mirabal sisters, political activists executed on this day in 1960.

“I welcome the chorus of voices calling for an end to the violence that affects an estimated one in three women in her lifetime. I applaud leaders who are helping to enact and enforce laws and change mindsets. And I pay tribute to all those heroes around the world who help victims to heal and to become agents of change.” – Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon