The campaign launched on 25 November through the websites and social media of the respective embassies. Furthermore, a press release was published to raise awareness of this global endeavour. The diplomatic missions concerned are also going to produce a collage of pictures of the ambassadors involved and a donation to the Tallinn Crisis Centre for Women that will symbolically be handed over to the representatives of the organisation ahead of the International Human Rights Day, marking the end of the campaign.

Violence against women still represents the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. According to UN estimates, 1 in 3 women of over 15 years has been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner or both. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data show that all types of violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly domestic violence, have intensified and that the world was unprepared to respond to its rapid escalation. A new UN Women report, based on survey data from 13 countries published on November 24, shows that COVID-19 has eroded women’s perception of safety, both at home and in public spaces, with significant negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being.

In addition, the current global context of violent conflicts, humanitarian crises and increasing climate-related disasters contributes to an increase in violence against women.

#OrangeTheWorld #OrangezLeMonde – silence helps only the perpetrators of violence against women and girls!