Orange marks the fight against gender violence

GUERNSEY’S Soroptimists want to turn the world orange as they begin 16 days of activism in the fight against gender violence.

Cathy Bailey is a member of Soroptimist International Guernsey, which is joining other Soroptimist groups across the world taking action and calling for the elimination of violence against women. Shoes sprayed orange will be placed on Market Steps this weekend to highlight the campaign. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 33801837)

Monday marks the UN International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of the campaign against gender violence, which ends on 10 December – Human Rights Day.

The signature colour of the campaign is orange – a bright and optimistic colour, it represents a future free from violence against women and girls.

Although the campaign begins with International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, Guernsey Soroptimists president Cathy Bailey said the campaign wanted to highlight violence against men and children too.

‘We are a women’s organisation, but we acknowledge that this affects all genders,’ she said.

‘We don’t want to be discriminatory to any one group. It’s talking about healthy and unhealthy relationships, and that’s a huge part of what we’re trying to do with this campaign.’

Mrs Bailey has been a member of SI Guernsey for over 20 years and has led on its orange campaign for the last three.

She said members of SI Guernsey were joining other Soroptimists across the world taking action.

‘This campaign is designed to raise awareness, and people need to talk about gender violence and domestic abuse, rather than keep it behind closed doors,’ said Mrs Bailey.

‘Victims may feel that it’s their fault in some way, that they’re responsible for whatever’s happening to them. It’s letting people know that it affects so many people, and that there is help available.’

Soroptimist International is a leading global women’s voluntary organisation. It has close to 80,000 members in more than 3,000 clubs in more than 100 countries around the world.

It is committed to a world where women and girls have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide.

As part of the campaign, shoes sprayed orange will be put on the Market Steps, Beau Sejour will turn orange for three days from tonight, and an orange flag will be hoisted at Elizabeth College throughout the 16 days.

n For more information visit www.facebook.com/SoroptimistSIGBI

Anyone affected by the issue of gender violence can contact safer.gg on 01481 721999.