November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Today, one in three women around the world experience some form of physical or sexual violence. This is not only a threat to women’s overall health and safety, but also to their ability to pursue an education, earn an income, and be equal participants in society.

At its core, violence against women is a human rights issue that both men and women must stand against.

orangeurhoodStanding Up and Standing Out: #orangeurhood

The United Nations is committed to stopping violence against girls and women. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign in 2008 to work toward a world free of violence against girls and women.

This year, UNiTE invites you to demonstrate your support for ending violence against women with the “Orange YOUR Neighbourhood” campaign. As the first day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, UNiTE invites people to participate in local “Orange Events” and to wear orange, showing that everyone has a role to play in standing against violence.

To see how the UN ‘oranged’ the world last year, watch the video here. Share your photos, messages, and videos of how you ‘oranged’ your neighbourhood at https://www.facebook.com/SayNO.UNiTE or https://twitter.com/SayNO_UNiTE and include #orangeurhood.

It Will Take All of Us

Ending violence against women isn’t just a women’s issue – it matters to all of us and requires action from all of us. 

The UN’s HeForShe campaign is a solidarity movement for gender equality. If the world is to create societies free from the horrible acts that can result from gender inequality, men and women must work together to end acts of injustice. Men must join women in advocating against issues related to gender inequality, including violence against women. All over the world, men are standing up for gender equality because it is what is needed to advance humanity. To join the movement, visit www.heforshe.org.