A step in right direction on gender-based violence
ORANGE shoes were used to raise awareness of gender-based violence issues at the weekend when members of Guernsey’s Soroptimists placed several pairs on Market Steps in Town.
This was part of 16 days of activism that started with the international day for the elimination of violence against women and Unesco’s Orange the World campaign.
Soroptimist Guernsey’s president-elect Cathy Bailey said that they had sprayed 180 pairs of shoes, some of which were to be used in 90 shops throughout St Peter Port.
The idea was to start a conversation about the issue of domestic violence and she said that it had done the trick.
‘The shoes are purely symbolic and we thought if we dyed them orange they would become a talking point.’
The old shoes, which Mrs Bailey said had been destined for the bin, included women’s, men’s and children’s, to illustrate that all can be victims.
‘It’s acknowledging that it’s a problem for men as well,’ said Mrs Bailey.
‘Local statistics are that one in six men and one in three women will be subject to some form of domestic violence in their lifetimes.’
This was the first time the local group had taken part in this campaign, but it would not be the last, and Mrs Bailey said the shoes would be used again in future.
Several shop windows in Town got involved in the campaign, and pairs of shoes were also placed on the ‘talking bench’ in Market Square.
n The 16 days of activism ends on 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
