Orange the World campaign returns to Mullingar

For the second year running, the Soroptimists in Mullingar are running the 'Orange the World' campaign, with a display of orange shoes in Harbour Place Shopping Centre.

Today, Friday November 25, marks the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of 16 days of activism against gender violence.

"In Ireland, violence against women is a significant issue that has worsened since the pandemic," says Niamh Ledwith, president of Mullingar Soroptimists.

"Two hundred and forty-four women have been murdered since 1996, and 87% of these women were killed by a man known to them," she continues.

"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."

So, why the orange shoes?

"Well this actually started in the Netherlands," explains Sarah McCormack, programme action officer with Mullingar Soroptimists.

"The Soroptimists in the Netherlands said let's take women's shoes, let's paint them orange, and put them out on display with information around it, so that people might stop and look and say, 'Oh, why is this orange shoe here, or what's happening'.

"We started last year and we put the orange shoes in different shops around Mullingar, and this year we're so lucky to get this unit in Harbour Place. We've put the support numbers up alongside, so that when people are passing by, they can take note of the support number and people that need help or are in a situation where they need support, can actually call the numbers given.

"The display is also a reminder to us all to be aware of what we can do to eliminate violence against women, and eliminate gender violence, by being understanding, supportive and enquiring if someone needs help," continues Sarah.

Harbour Place Shopping Centre has facilitates the awareness campaign by donating the use of a free retail unit that has enabled the display to be mounted to inform the public. Mullingar Soroptimists are very grateful to Denis Hogan and his team at Harbour Place for their generous support.

* Domestic Abuse Helpline: 1800 341 900