Netherlands joins global campaign ‘Orange the World’ in Sri Lanka
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands yesterday
joined the global campaign ‘Orange the World: 16 Days of Activism against
Gender-Based Violence’ in Sri Lanka.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence
against Women, the Netherlands Embassy took the initiative – together with UN
agencies, diplomatic missions, governance institutions, private companies and
civil society organisations in Colombo – to raise banners to urge people to
‘Say NO to violence against women and girls’.
Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp launched the campaign by delivering
the “Orange the World” banners by bicycle to other diplomatic missions and
(international) organisations in Colombo that support the 16 days campaign.
They will all raise the banner during the 16 Days of Activism, concluding on 10
December, International Human Rights Day.
While delivering the banners, several Heads of Missions and
representatives of (international) organisations joined the Ambassador’s
cycling tour in Colombo. Members of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus of Sri
Lanka also joined the campaign at the Residence of the Ambassador, where the
cycling event ended after delivering the banners.
“Gender-Based Violence is one of the most prevalent human
rights violations in the world. Globally, an estimated 1 in 3 women will
experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. Since the outbreak of
COVID-19, the situation for women and children has worsened worldwide. Staying
at home under the lockdowns proved especially dangerous for women, as domestic
violence increased dramatically. The more reason to take a stance together
against Gender Based Violence!” Ambassador Gonggrijp said.
“I decided to deliver the banners by bicycle as for many
women and children worldwide the bicycle symbolises independence. It is your
own mode of transport and, of course, also very sustainable. This event
underlines the importance the Netherlands attaches to ending violence against
women and girls. And it is also a gesture of appreciation for those
organisations and individuals in Sri Lanka who work tirelessly to this crucial
cause.”
‘Orange the world: End violence against women now!’ is an
international campaign started in 1991. The colour orange, a colour symbolising
hope, is chosen worldwide as the colour of the campaign. During the 16 Days of
Activism governments and organisations worldwide organise online and offline
activities to raise attention for and take action against Gender-Based
Violence.
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