City region landmarks turn orange to fight violence against women

Iconic buildings and landmarks across the Liverpool City Region were illuminated bright orange on Wednesday 25th November as part of an international campaign aimed at tackling violence against women.

The spectacle, organised by Merseyside-based Savera UK and Zonta International saw Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, World Museum Liverpool, Merseyside Police Headquarters, the Greystone Footbridge in Knowsley and the Mersey Gateway Bridge in Halton lit up to mark the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Part of the UN’s #OrangeTheWorld campaign, the day also indicates the United Nation’s annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Through the campaign, the UN highlights that while gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable, including women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises.

Speaking in support of the campaign, LCR Pride Foundation CEO, Andi Herring, said: “It is essential that we unite to speak out and fight against violence against women in all forms, as it is an issue that is so pervasive, not just in the UK, but throughout the world.

“Just last week, as we marked Trans Day of Remembrance, it emerged that – this year alone – 350 transgender people, the majority being trans women of colour – had been murdered worldwide, an increase on the 331 killed in 2019. 

“The #OrangeTheWorld initiative is so important and it is wonderful to see the boroughs of our region coming together in solidarity and support of all women.”

The UN #16Days campaign ends on Thursday 10th December, Human Rights Day, when a number of the participating landmarks in the region are expected to once again light up orange in a show of solidarity and support.

Last year, Zonta International marked the campaign period with its successful #ZONTASAYSNO initiative, which saw London’s Marble Arch lit orange alongside buildings in cities and towns in countries including the United States, Australia and across Europe. 

The organisation was introduced to Savera UK by Liverpool-based peer-to-peer organisation, iWoman. This will be the first time Zonta International has extended the initiative outside of London in the UK.

Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “Violence against women and girls is an enormous global issue. It takes place in all countries and cultures and renders streets, workplaces and even homes unsafe. Worldwide, it is estimated that 35 per cent of women have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives.

“In the case of culturally-specific forms of abuse that Savera UK tackles, such as ‘honour’-based abuse and forced/child marriage, women are disproportionately affected. It is absolutely vital that we continue to raise awareness for the ongoing fight to eliminate gender-based violence. We are delighted to be collaborating on this project with Zonta International and coming together with Liverpool City Council, Halton Council, Merseyside Police and the teams behind these iconic Liverpool landmarks to speak out together and offer a sign of hope to survivors and women and girls still living in abusive environments.”

Dianne Jeans, Advocacy Committee, Zonta Club of London, said: “Zonta International is dedicated to standing up to gender-based violence through its Zonta says NO campaign. During the 2020 UN 16 days of activism Zontians all around the globe will be taking part in events to ‘orange the world’ and shine a light on the hidden pandemic of violence against women. Here in the UK, the Zonta Club of London is encouraging local councils to light landmark structures orange to provide a symbol of hope and support for those that are affected by violence every day.  We applaud the actions in Liverpool to highlight this issue.”

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable, Ian Critchley, said: “Tackling domestic abuse is one of our top priorities as a force and we want to encourage greater reporting of this often hidden crime, which has intensified for many during the COVID pandemic.

“We know due to the coercive and controlling nature of such abuse that victims may find it difficult to reach out for help. We also know that many people, often friends, family members and neighbours, are aware that offences are being committed but remain silent. I want to encourage those people to reach out to us or our partners.

“This campaign reinforces the importance of us all taking action to help those suffering domestic abuse, particularly those who may not be able to help themselves. It is vital that we all work together – not just the police and our partners, but members of the public as well, to break the silence and help those in need.

“I want to make it clear that domestic abuse is never acceptable and that no one should have to tolerate being treated this way. Making those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting and there are many reasons people find it hard to do. However, there is support available, not just from the police, but other organisations too. We have specially trained officers ready to listen to you, treat you with compassion and respect and investigate any allegations of abuse thoroughly.

“If you are suffering and can find the courage to come forward, or know someone who may be a victim, please reach out and break the silence.”

Claire Benjamin, Head of Learning & Participation at National Museums Liverpool, said: “It is an honour to support Savera UK and Zonta International in what is an extremely important campaign. 

Supporting women, promoting human dignity and protecting human rights is a vital cause, especially as this year’s anniversary falls in the middle of a global pandemic. We need to come together to use our platforms to raise awareness for our communities, and help vulnerable people to reach out to organisations such as Savera UK.”

Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “We know that women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender based abuse and crime. Any form of violence against women and girls whether physical, sexual or psychological is not acceptable and we will continue to work to find effective ways to tackle this.

“This year many people are at home working or isolating due to Covid restrictions and we recognise that your home may not be a safe place for you. If you are suffering abuse we want you to know that we will believe you and we will support you. You do not have to stay at home if it is dangerous for you to do so, please talk to us and we will help”

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Working alongside our partners, tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for the Council. As we continue to spend more time at home it’s more important than ever that our residents know that help and support is available and our message is you are not alone. Supporting International Day of the Prevention of Violence Against Women is a key date in our calendar and illuminating the Greystone Footbridge is a sign of our support. We will continue to ensure our residents know that help really is just a phone call away – please seek help and don’t suffer in silence.”

Ngunan Adamu, CEO and Founder of iWoman, said: “iWoman feels privileged to be in a position to support #OrangeTheWorld, our work in the community and internationally has allowed us to see the importance of this campaign and the impact that this collaboration makes in steering the conversation in the right direction.”

*Source: UN Women – https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

 

Related Posts

LCR Pride Foundation is a registered charity in England & Wales, no 1185167. Registered Company 11754074.