GRANquinte supporting international campaign to end violence against women and girls

GRANquinte, a member of the Grandmothers Advocacy Network, is asking people to join them in recognizing the United Nations 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence.

Local chair Sharon Vanclief says the campaign has become known as the Orange Campaign, calling for an end to one of the most persistent human rights violations, violence against women and girls.

“You know, we just need to get this message out there that, somehow or other, we have all got to work together on this because it, unfortunately, it’s just not getting better.”

The global initiative begins November 25 which is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and continues to December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Vanclief says GRANquinte is selling lawn signs that can displayed during the 16 days.

“We’re just, you know, hoping to sell enough of these signs that we can, sort of, in our words, “orange the world.” People will see these signs. They will draw attention. Maybe people will then begin to ask questions or they may, you know, try to think of ways that they could be active in ending violence against women and girls.”

Signs are available for $5 Friday at Belleville Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or can be ordered by calling 613-969-1782.

Vanclief says there are other ways to be part of the 16 Days of Activism, “You can wear something orange as a symbol of hope and resolve and explain why. Decorate your home, office, business or church in orange. Reach out on social media to let others know you are participating in an international movement. Donate to local organizations supporting victims of violence. Use your personal strengths to create change. Don’t be a bystander – be an upstander. Raise awareness of the urgent need for funding and strategies to respond to and prevent ‘the shadow pandemic’, violence against women during COVID-19.”

Because the global campaign uses the colour orange which is also used in connection with Orange Shirt Day and National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Vanclief says they consulted with the Red Cedars Women’s Shelter of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

She says the shelter validated their local efforts and collaboration by stating the following: “We all must work together to end violence against women and girls and promote healing.” The shelter confirms the purpose and goals of the local Orange Campaign, as expanding its own vision and work on the Orange Shirt movement.

More on the United Nations Orange Campaign here.