History

On November 25, 1960, the Mirabal sisters were murdered by the regime at that time in the Dominican Republic. The three sisters fought for women's rights in their country.

Since 1981, November 25 has been observed as a day to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women. In 2000, the date was officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This has since expanded into 16 days of activism. Since 2014, illuminating buildings in orange has become a part of this observance. Iconic buildings around the world are lit in orange, including the Brandenburg Gate, Times Square, the Sphinx, Niagara Falls, parliaments, and many others.

In the Netherlands, it started with the illumination of the Peace Palace, and more municipalities and buildings have followed since. The number of municipalities participating has risen significantly to more than 200.

Violence against women

Globaly 1 on every 3 women of women  experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. A horrific statistic: this includes women in our own surroundings—our daughters, granddaughters, neighbors, and others.

And it doesn’t stop there. The pattern of violence is deeply rooted and feels familiar, as if it’s normal. Those who experience violence in their youth are more likely to become perpetrators or remain in a permanent victim role. One well-known example is “falling for the wrong men.” This phenomenon is referred to as Intergenerational Transmission. Children raised in dysfunctional families with violence see this as normal and carry it into their future.

Another issue is the tendency (even among women) to blame the girl or woman in cases of violence: “What was she doing out so late? Did you see what she was wearing?” as if these are justifications for violence...

Wars, disasters, poverty, and COVID-19 are all situations in which women, and thus children, become more vulnerable.

Why Orange?

Because orange is the color of the sunrise. It symbolizes the dawn of a world free from violence against women. The campaign is approached positively, with the belief that this future can become a reality. With orange, we celebrate that moment.

Why the campaign?

Many people are unaware of the scale of the problem, and the Orange the World campaign aims to raise awareness so that everyone can become part of the solution, including national governments, local governments, women, and men.

Orange the World Worldwide

In over 100 countries, actions take place during the 16 days of activism. These actions include illuminating a building, a fountain or a statue, or other object in orange. In recent years, notable sites like the Sphinx in Egypt, the Peace Palace, and Times Square have been illuminated in orange. Governments, social organizations, and embassies also organize debates, street actions, demonstrations, social media campaigns, and other activities during these 16 days. The campaign is coordinated internationally by UN Women, the UN organization for women's rights and gender equality.

Orange the World in the Netherlands

Since 2016, the Netherlands has also participated in the campaign. Over the years, this has been a great success due to the involvement of many local governments. The message that violence against women is unacceptable has been conveyed throughout the Netherlands, with thousands of volunteers dedicating their efforts across the country.

The hashtag #OrangetheWorldNL has trended on social media, and there has been extensive coverage of the campaign on radio, television, and in national and regional newspapers. Together with municipalities, provinces, and social organizations, we reach more than eight million people each year.