GranQuinte and the Grandmothers Advocacy Network are once again participating in the United Nations Orange Campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign begins November 25 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on International Human Rights Day on December 10.
Orange is considered a bright and optimistic colour and represents a future free from violence against women and girls.
Rae Yates says violence remains a threat to millions of girls and women around the world.
“Raising awareness and education are the ways that we are going to change this because we need men and boys to be educated as well as girls and women. Everybody has to be involved in getting this scourge of our society over with and gone.”
This year’s slogan is Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls.
“Because it’s been proven that the lack of women’s education, financial knowledge, financial ability, the ability to own land and grow their own food and help their families that way – it has been proven that that has pulled away and made economies in the world they live in, lessen.”
To help raise awareness, local councils have endorsed the Orange Campaign and Shire Hall in Picton, the King Edward Community Centre in Brighton and the Bridge Street Bridge in Belleville will be lit in orange.
Orange ribbons and information about the campaign can be found at several businesses around the region.
Lawn signs are also available through GRANquinte.
The organization is also urging people to donate to organizations supporting victims of violence during the 16 days.
More information about GRANquinte is available on their Facebook page and the Grandmothers Advocacy Network on their website.
