Orange The World Campaign: 16 Days of activism to end GBV - Somalia
What is the Orange the World?
Our Embassy is proud to - once again - join the annual Orange the World (OTW) campaign in Somalia, part of the global 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The global initiative, which starts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and girls (25th November) and runs until the International Human Rights Day (10th December), rasies awareness against GBV and the need to take action now. In Somalia, where women and girls face high levels of violence and often suffer under the impacts of harmful practices are offered limited protection. The Netherlands stands along many other partners during this campaign to call for conrete action.
With the bright orange colour, the OTW campaign wants to send a signal for hope and a brighter future. During this year's 16 Days of Activism, the focus is laid on the growing threat of digital violence, which has disproportionally targeted women. In Somalia for instance, reports indicate the ongoing pattern of attacks on social media against female elected officials, activists and journalists. These attacks include to increasing online harassment and hate speech, which undermines women and girls' safety and limits their participation in politics and public life. Therefore, this camppaign calls for stronger protection of women and girls online. Accountability for digital abuse. Greater support for those who speak out!
The Situation of Women and Girls in Somalia
Women and girls in Somalia continue to face high levels of gender-based violence and a limited accountability for perpetrators. Their vulnerability to this violence is worsened through displacement, overcrowded IDP camps and difficult living conditions. Additionally, the exacerbating climate crisis in Somalia, which has seen severe droughts and floods, and worsening food insecurity, shapes an environment, in which GBV has become a 'highly prevalent and persistent phenomenon'.
One of the most common forms of GBV in Somalia includes harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which remains nearly universal, affecting approximately 99% of women and girls. Early and forced marriage is also widespread: more than one-third of women aged 20–24 were married before their 18th birthday, and some reports indicate that around 8% of girls are married before the age of 15. These practices not only violate girls’ rights but also expose them to lifelong health complications, limit their access to education, and reinforce cycles of dependency and inequality.
These forms of violence often intersect with domestic abuse, sexual assault and harassment, including in public spaces, workplaces and online. The lack of accessible reporting mechanisms, limited legal protection and strong social stigma prevent many survivors from seeking help. Therefore, urgent action is needed to protect women and girls.
The Netherlands' support for women and girls in Somalia
The Netherlands is actively supporting women and girls in Somalia through a range of programmes aimed at preventing GBV, promoting access to justice, and ending harmful practices.
The DAMAL Programme
Often, the perpetrators of violence are not held accountable due to the lack of access to justice for women in Somalia. Therefore, the Netherlands wants to strengthen the legal system and create safe spaces for victims of GBV to better protect women and girls through the DAMAL programme. The programme works through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers, which allows women to receive various forms of guidance. In these centers women can report cases of violence, like domestic abuse, sexual assault and other forms of GBV and have access to legal support through lawyers. Simultaneously, these centres also educate communities about legal rights, to promote fairness and inclusion. Especially vulnerable populations, like women and girls who live in remote or conflict-related areas where formal courts are difficult to reach, can seek protection through these centers. The Damal programme does this by connecting justice mechanisms with community-based support and local authorities to reach local areas. We as The Netherlands are a proud partner of the DAMAL programme and hope that with this programme, women and girls can exercise their rights and resolve disputes safely.
Power of Women Programme
The Netherlands is supporting Somali women through a centralised programme called Power of Women, which focuses on strengthening women's rights and ensuring that women and girls can live safe, healthy and dignified lives - globally! In Somalia this support is channelled through the Nagaad Network, which is one of the most influential women's rights coalitions in the country, as it brings together 46 women's organizations.
The agenda of Nagaad is multifaceted. The network pushes for greater participation of Somali women in politics, by advocating for fair representation in parliament and local councils. It also works closely with communities and elders to challenge harmful social norms, including practices such as child marriage and GBV. Additionally, Nagaad promotes girls' education and raising awareness of women's reproductive rights. All of these thematic concentrations are crucial for broader social empowerment.
Ending Harmful Practices
Looking ahead, the Netherlands will launch a five-year Ending Harmful Practices project, starting 2026 with a regional focus on Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The focus of this programme will be on the two most pervasive forms of GBV in the region - female genital mutilation and child marriage.
Join The Movement
The Netherlands invites all Somalis to engage with the Orange the World campaign. Together, we can work toward a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse and discrimination - both offline and online!
Raise your voice.
Speak out against violence.
Support women's rights in your community!