Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, deep-rooted and devastating violations of human rights in the world.
Today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Embassy of Canada in Greece will illuminate its Chancery in orange, demonstrating solidarity with the #OrangeTheWorld movement and support of international efforts to put an end to sexual and gender-based violence.
Violence against women has increased around the world since Covid-19 social isolation and quarantine measures came into force, making the Elimination of Violence Against Women campaign more pertinent that ever this year.
In Greece:
- there was a significant increase of reported cases of domestic violence during the last lockdown
- calls to the SOS hotline reporting domestic violence quadrupled in April 2020
In Canada:
- domestic crisis intervention services became rapidly overwhelmed during the lockdown
- women are more likely to be abused and killed by their intimate male partners within their own homes than they are to be killed by strangers outside home
Preventing and responding to all forms sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
“On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we come together to stand up and speak out against violence against women and people of diverse gender identities. We reflect on what each of us can do, in our daily lives, to combat violence and create change” Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau said.
The Ambassador of Canada in Greece, H.E. Mr. Mark Allen, will be live-streaming the illumination of the Chancery on Facebook at 6pm (GMT+2).
Orange the World Campaign
25 November has been designed as the Orange Day by the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign. The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and it is therefore used as the colour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As a show of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated in orange.
