The Zonta Club of Geelong is encouraging the community to ‘Orange the World’ in support of eliminating violence against women.
Thursday was the United Nations’ Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, which kickstarted 16 days of activism against gender-based violence to raise awareness and mobilise people across the region and world to bring about change.
On Thursday, the Zonta Club walked in solidarity with victim-survivors of family violence from Cunningham Pier to Eastern Beach and back to raise awareness.
Club advocacy committee member Chris Denmead said the club’s members also planned to wear orange over the next two weeks, attach orange streamers to their cars and mailboxes and “spread the message”.
“Domestic and family violence is still way too prevalent everywhere in the world, not just here, and we need to keep working to reduce that,” she said.
“This sends the message that domestic violence is not acceptable no matter the situation.
“We want to see as many people wearing orange over the next 16 days, because the more people see the orange, they’re going to ask about it.
“Then we’re starting the conversation and that’s what it is about.”
Along with the Zonta Club’s activities, the City of Greater Geelong will be lighting up orange over the next few weeks.
Ms Denmead said there would be orange lighting along in popular areas including Moorabool and Malop streets and Little Malop Street.
The 16 days of activism run until December 10, which is also Human Rights Day.
