‘Orange the World’ campaign ongoing in Mullingar area

The members of Soroptimist Mullingar and District have joined the ‘Orange the World’ campaign to end gender-based violence, and launched it locally at Harbour Place Shopping Centre last week.

If you have noticed the orange balloons and orange shoes alongside the more festive coloured decorations, the Soroptimist campaign explains them. Orange the World, led by UN Women, calls on each of us to stand together during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until December 10, Human Rights Day.

The annual campaign was launched in 2008 by the UN so that by 2030 there would be an end to gender based violence.

The colour orange was chosen as the symbol for the campaign, as it is bright, hopeful, and bold as a powerful symbol of the future for a world free from gender based violence.

Around the world, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.

For many, the home – a place that should offer safety – becomes the most dangerous place of all. This violence is rooted in inequality, silence, and stigma.

Orange the World is a call to action; it asks governments to strengthen laws and protect survivors; urges communities to challenge harmful norms and speak out; invites educators to teach respect, empathy, and equality.

It reminds each of us that we have a role to play that change begins with awareness, and it grows through courage, and when we light buildings, landmarks, or social media feeds in orange, we send a message of solidarity a message that says we will not look away.

Local activity

Soroptimist Mullingar and District have organised a mix of activities. They kicked off the campaign in Mullingar on Monday November 24 with a Midlands Radio 103 interview on creating awareness for the public.

That was followed by a presentation to the members of Westmeath County, and, with thanks to Denis Hogan, manager of Harbour Place Shopping Centre, Soroptimists decorated an area in the centre with orange symbols. Esquire management have also agreed for their cafe to be an Orange Café.

On Tuesday and Wednesday last Soroptimists hosted arts activity, led by member Anna Atkinson, a professional artist, at Harbour Place. Shoppers gad the opportunity to add to the creation of three art pieces that display what violence against women and girls means to them.

The completed arts pieces are on display for the duration of the campaign, till December 10.

The use of orange shoes was started by Soroptimists in the Netherlands and the idea is that an empty orange shoe gets someone to stop and ask ‘why an orange shoe?’. It brings attention to the campaign and symbolises the emptiness of the lives of women affected by violence.

Decorations include creations made by Women’s Community Projects Mullingar as part of their focus on Orange the World.

Supporting the work of Soroptimists, Westmeath County Council and Creative Ireland are running an art competition in the schools inviting the students to create work inspired by the theme Orange The World.

Orange The World campaign is for everyone, say Soroptimists; awareness leads to action, and action to change. Everyone needs to speak out, stand up, and making a commitment to ending violence against women and girls.