Orange the World

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Catholic women from around Fiji and the greater Suva area marked the beginning its 16 Days of activism against Gender-Based Violence activities under the global theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” with a march from St. Anne’s Primary School down to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, followed by a special offering at the 1pm daily Mass and the symbolic gesture of the laying of wreaths — commemorating the lives lost as due to domestic and gender based violence.

The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means to demonstrate solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our society and in the world and as the world faces the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, reports showed an alarming increase in violence against women.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on the 25^th of November — it runs until December 10^th, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists back in 1991 at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute and continues to be coordinated every year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership.

This event was organised by various Catholic women’s support groups such as the Catholic Women’s League, Women at the Well Ministry, Caritas Fiji, Grace Ministry and women in the parishes. It was also attended by many who support the cause.

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The Archdiocese of Suva Communications Office.