Saxion supports Orange the World to raise awareness of violence against women: ‘Safe, Everywhere and Always’
This year, Saxion is once again supporting Orange The World: the global campaign to raise awareness of violence against girls and women. During the campaign period from 25 November to 1 December, the Saxion buildings in Apeldoorn, Deventer and Enschede will be lit up in orange. Lecturer Nienke Riezebos tells us more about this year's theme, about the activities in Deventer and about the importance of the Orange the World campaign: “This subject sometimes comes up in class.”
Safe, Everywhere and Always. That is this year’s theme of the Dutch Orange the World campaign. This powerful slogan says it all in a nutshell - how girls and women should be able to feel in everyday life. Unfortunately, reality is a lot more precarious. Worldwide, nearly one in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. By a partner, by someone they know, or by a total stranger. “This subject comes up sometimes in the classes I teach,” tells Nienke Riezenbos, Lecturer/Researcher at the School of Education. Nienke is actively involved in Orange the World Deventer. “One student recently asked at the beginning of her presentation if anyone in the class had ever experienced sexual intimidation. All the female students raised their hands.” It couldn't be any clearer: violence against women is everywhere, explains Nienke. It happens on the street, when women go out in the evening, in sports clubs, on public transport. But it can also happen online and in your own home. It ranges from sexual intimidation to femicide.
One student recently asked at the beginning of her presentation if anyone in the class had ever experienced sexual intimidation. All the female students raised their hands.
Debates, exhibitions, demonstrations
Nienke became involved in Orange the World through her membership of Soroptimist International, a women's organisation dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women. Not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide. In collaboration with Zonta Netherlands, the organisations are rolling out the UN Women campaign in Deventer, she tells us. “The campaign runs every year from 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day. The days between are known as the 16 Days of Activism. Buildings and other objects in more than one hundred countries will be lit up in orange, the colour of sunrise and hopefulness. There will also be debates, exhibitions, demonstrations and other activities. Money will be raised for the Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. This is the largest global fund for preventing and stopping violence against girls and women.”
The famous orange handprints can be seen on the streets again
Activities in Deventer
In Deventer, the campaign has grown and become better known in recent years. The municipality, the library, the Etty Hillesum Centre, MIMIK, the Deventer Hospital and Saxion will all play an active role in the campaign. The Wilhelmina bridge will be lit up in orange, as will Saxion’s main hall. The famous orange handprints will also appear on the streets again. Orange the World Deventer has put together an interesting programme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism. The official kick-off is on Monday evening, 25 November in the Etty Hillesum Centre. Nienke: “You can visit the travelling exhibition ‘Femicide’ there. It features the stories of twelve women killed by their partners or ex-partners. The stories are told by their bereaved relatives. On 30 November, Wim Hertgers, a father who has lost his daughter to femicide, will be present on the Beestenmarkt with his truck. In the truck, you can watch the six-minute film ‘Het ligt aan mij zien‘ which will be playing continuously. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to talk. And on 4 December, we will host a discussion evening with short videos from the programme De Vloer Op, made especially for this campaign.” These are just a few examples of the wide range of activities organised in Deventer during this period.
Sign the pledge
Everyone is free to sign the Supporter Pledge, says Nienke. “If we all become supporters, we can eliminate violence against women and girls from the world. Signing the pledge is a declaration of your commitment. As a woman or man or however you see yourself, as a professional or as a bystander. But also as a friend, neighbour or colleague.
The pledge:
- I do not use violence against women and girls
- I take women and girls who report violence seriously and support them in finding help
- I do everything I can to ensure women and girls feel safe
- I contribute to breaking the taboo around talking about violence against women
- I say something to people around me when their behaviour is inappropriate
Show your support
“This year, with the theme Safe, Everywhere and Always, we want to raise awareness that different forms of violence do not just happen behind the front door or on the streets. Those are the places people think of first. It happens everywhere, and in all those places you can show your support,” says Nienke. “You can help by not looking away if you see something happen between your colleagues at work. You can help by stepping in when someone is being harassed on public transport. You can help by posting a supportive comment when someone is being harassed on social media. There are hundreds of ways you can be a supporter in your daily life.”