Local Soroptimists launching the Elimination of Violence against Women campaign, Eithne Walsh, Anne Finneran, Ina O’Leary, Norin Abbot, Fidelma Bennett, Julia Smyth, Sarah McCormack, Bridget Doherty, Cllr Hazel Smyth, mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Susan Muldoon, Michael Henley and Niamh Ledwith.

Soroptimists Orange the world, November 25 to December 10

Published: Wed 23 Nov 2022, 5:05 PM

Last updated: Wed 23 Nov 2022, 5:08 PM

November 25 marks the UN International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. The last day, December 10, is Human Rights Day.

In that time, Soroptimists across Ireland, including in Mullingar, are taking action and adding their voice to the call for ‘the elimination of violence against women’.

Eadaoin Lawlor, president of Soroptimist International Ireland, said: “In Ireland, violence against women is a significant issue and one that worsened during the pandemic.

“Two hundred and 44 women have been murdered since 1996 (Women’s Aid, 2022), and 87% of those were killed by a man known to them.

“At least 26% of women in Ireland have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, and 41% of people in Ireland know a woman within their circle of friends and family who is a victim of domestic violence.

“As a women’s organisation that seeks to empower, enable and educate, we must bring these issues to the fore to enable women and girls to live safely within their communities.”

This year Soroptimists will be working with their communities to highlight the UN Orange the World Campaign. They will place Orange high heel shoes in windows of shops and businesses for the duration of the campaign with the simple message to women that ‘you are not alone’.

They have also created posters and information cards with the same message highlighting the Women’s Aid Freephone number to enable women to gain help and support as needed.

Orange and a shoe

The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence. Those are the reasons it is used as the colour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Soroptimists have chosen a shoe as it is something most women identify with; however, it symbolises oppression and control.

The idea of doing something “in high heels” is a near-universally understood shorthand that a woman faces additional gender challenges.

Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and partnerships. To find out more, visit www.soroptimistireland.com; and www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/unite.