Why am I wearing Orange?
After graduating from high school I spent a year abroad, most of my time being spent in Guatemala. I saw so much frustration in the eyes of the woman and children there. So often family members abused the women and girls. I could see it in the eyes of mothers, in the eyes of young girls. I worked in a medical clinic and saw the physical trauma they faced on a routine basis. It is so important that we work to provide healthcare for those who are less fortunate, help protect others from abuse and trauma. My heart goes out to so many people in need, but the violence that is perpetuated against women and girls has become my mission.
The other day, the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN met with a representative from the UNiTE campaign. This campaign was founded by Secretary General Ban Ki- moon and launched in 2008. The campaign’s goal is to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. It is so important that individuals, civil society and governments work to put an end to violence against women and girls in all parts of the world.
UNiTE initiates many programs and campaigns worldwide, but there is one event that takes place every month. This event is “Orange Day” and takes place on the 25th of every month. On the 25th, people are to wear orange to promote awareness of the violence that confronts women and girls worldwide. The act of wearing orange is so simple, but promotes and creates awareness on such an important message. There are millions of women and children, even in the US, that are abused both physically and verbally. In many countries women and men are given equal rights under the law, but all too often there continues to be sexual discrimination… in the workplace, in work fields, in the home, in the community, in all parts of life. Helping women and girls to fight for equal rights, to help provide them with protection against acts of physical and verbal abuse is all of our responsibility.
I am wearing orange today, because it is Orange Day. I will be wearing orange on July 25th, August 25th as well as September, October and November 25th. Please join me. Help raise awareness on issues confronting women and girls. Work to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. Taking part in Orange Day is such an easy thing to do and yet is provides such a strong message. I am wearing orange today because I want to stand up and speak for those children and women that can’t speak up themselves. Please join me.