Day after day, women are subjected to violence. Women and girls we know. In the Netherlands, 45% of women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Worldwide, this number rises to one in three. This makes violence against women one of the most widespread human rights violations worldwide.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Veldkamp underscores the urgency of taking action:
"Violence against women is an everyday reality. We have to act, and we have to act now, for all the women who could face violence tomorrow. It is our shared responsibility, of both women and men, of every single one of us."

The campaign takes its name from the colour orange, symbolizing a brighter, violence-free future. Each year, in over 100 countries, iconic buildings and landmarks are lit in orange, while events such as debates, exhibitions, and demonstrations are held to inspire action. Funds are also raised for the ‘Trust Fund to End Violence against Women’, the largest global fund to prevent and stop violence against women and girls.

Orange the World 2024: Femicide

This year, the campaign highlights femicide: the intentional killing of women and girls. Tens of thousands of women are murdered annually, often by an intimate partner or family member. This is the most brutal, visible, and extreme manifestation. The Netherlands is committed to the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls as a matter of human rights.

Making a difference in Serbia

In Serbia, the Netherlands works closely with local partners to combat violence against women and girls, focusing on gender equality, human rights as well as preventing workplace harassment and violence as these are key challenges in this context. Together, we are implementing impactful projects such as:

Lights in the Dark (Svetla u mraku) by Tampon Zona

Lights in the Dark is a narrative podcast series by Tampon Zona about four investigative female journalists. They reveal untold stories behind headlines, speak about harassment, verbal and psychological abuse they are facing, and help us understand the relentless pursuit of truth that drives them.

Stigma by FoNet
 

Stigma is a series of 12 video interviews created by the News Agency FoNet, with and about women who work in judicary. They talk about challenges, threats, harassment, verbal, economic and psychological violence they are facing.

By sharing stories, raising awareness, and taking action, we can create a world free from violence against women and girls. Let’s ‘Orange the World’ together!