The Southern Downs is set to Orange the World from 25 November to 10 December to help end violence against women and girls around the world. Southern Downs Regional Council will mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence as a part of a global United Nation’s campaign to help raise community awareness and galvanise action to end violence against women and girls globally.
This year’s campaign will be delivered under the global banner Orange the World #HearMeToo and will run from 25 November, the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until Human Right Day on 10 December.
The colour orange is a key theme used to unify all activists and to help bring global attention to the initiative, while #HearMeToo brings to the forefront the voices of women and girls who have survived violence, who are defending women’s rights every day and who are taking action. Southern Downs Deputy Mayor Jo McNally is advocating the cause and said the 16 Days of Activism was an important step towards ending gender based violence both at home and globally. “One in three women world-wide experience gender-based violence,” Cr McNally said. “Violence against women and girls happens in every community, in every country around the world and it happens on the Southern Downs. We must come together as a community to take action and change the culture of gender-based violence. Grassroots campaigns have the potential to help drive change globally.”
As a part of the campaign SDRC is encouraging the community to get behind 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. “There is many ways the community can get involved,” Cr McNally said. “Speak-up and share your story if you’ve been a victim of violence or speak-out against it. Come together with your workmates and organise a day to wear orange or colour you workspace, share resources on your social media channels or simply start a conversation with your family, friends and colleagues. There are simple ways we can all take part to help shine a light on an issue that affects our entire community.”
The community can share photos, messages and videos showing how they are taking part in the campaign using #orangetheworld and #HearMeToo and by tagging Southern Downs Regional Council.
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