'Orange Shoe' campaign seeks the end of violence against women and gender

If you were out shopping in Mullingar over yesterday you may have noticed orange high heel shoes popping up in many of the shop windows - it's part of a campaign by Soroptimists locally, and nationally, that seeks the elimination of violence against women, and marks 16 days of activism against gender violence.

"We're after blitzing the town, we have 25 locations around Mullingar that have joined us in the awareness campaign," said Anne Melly, president of Mullingar and District Soroptimists, speaking on Friday November 25, which marked the start of campaign.

"We are Soroptimists and obviously our focus is on women, but this year's campaign also coincides with a campaign of violence against gender," continues Anne.

"I think, only in very recent times, awareness about men being victims of violence is only coming to the fore, and they can be even more afraid and embarrassed to seek help," she says.

It's part of the UN 'Orange the World' Campaign which aims to spread the simple message 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.

Soroptimist member, Sarah McCormack, says the response to campaign by local businesses has been "excellent".

"Even going into the shops and explaining to people what this is about - one in three women are affected by violence, which is horrendous, but it's spreading awareness. We're also handing out cards informing people how to seek help, because there's the feeling of being trapped and people don't know where to go to get support, and that's what this is all about, not to be afraid to reach out. We're handing out cards in different places so that people can pick them up," said Sarah.

Anne Melly points out that one of the places they dropped into on the campaign trail across Mullingar was Good2Talk Mullingar, who have offered a number of meetings for free, to anyone reaching out after hearing of the campaign.

"Mullingar Library is also leaving out some support books alongside the orange shoes", continues Sarah McCormack. "People are being impacted psychologically as well as physically, the physical side of things can be obvious but they don't actually realise the extent of the psychological scars that are left behind.

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.

"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."

Mullingar and District Soroptimists recently celebrated 31 years of existence in Mullingar and always welcome new members, adding that it's a great social outlet and a way of forming lifelong friendships. For more, see Mullingar and District Soroptimists on Facebook or contact any of its members.

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.