Cities Honor the International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25 marks International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day was originally created to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, activists from the Dominican Republic, who were assassinated by the Trujillo regime in 1960. 

In 1981, activists at the Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentros recognized the occasion to raise awareness to domestic violence and the broader violence against women. In 2000, the United Nations officially recognized the day.

Today, countries around the world are honoring International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women by illuminating buildings with orange light as they work to combat this pervasive issue as part of the UN Orange the World Campaign.

France

In Strasbourg, France, the European Parliament joined the global movement with a message from President Roberta Metsola that was shared on X: “A light for every woman and girl who has suffered in silence. A promise to every woman and girl who deserves safety, dignity, and a life free from fear. We owe them more than awareness. We owe them change.”

Finland

Today, the facades of the Government Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Helsinki, Finland, will be lit orange. 

In a press release from the Finnish government, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said, “Every girl and woman in Finland has the right to feel safe. Preventing violence requires changes in attitudes, structures and legislation.”

Greece

In Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital is also showing solidarity and affirming its commitment to supporting victims of gender-based violence. 

In a post on X, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that “The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is nothing more than an occasion for all of us to feel by their side. By the side of every woman, who is called upon to overcome shame and fear to stand boldly against them.”

Belgium

The Council of the European Union turned orange last night to commemorate the occasion, as EU member states continue to address this worldwide issue.

Netherlands

Buildings throughout the city of Groningen, Netherlands, will be participating in the Orange the World campaign, including the city’s prominent Academy Building, the Grand Theater, and the Groninger Museum.