From 25 November, the world turns orange once again. Not because it is a festive occasion, but because millions of people across the globe are raising awareness for an issue that remains far too widespread: violence against women and girls.
Sovicos is joining Orange the World – the international campaign by UN Women, held annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). The sixteen days in between are known as the 16 Days of Activism.
Why Orange?
Orange symbolises hope. Hope for a future free from violence. Hope for a world in which women and girls feel safe – at home, in public, at school, at work, and of course within sport.
The Facts
Despite the progress we would like to believe has been made, the statistics tell a different story:
- One in three women worldwide experiences physical, psychological and/or sexual violence.
- In the Netherlands, a woman is killed through violence every eight days.
- 53% of women and 19% of men in the Netherlands experience sexually transgressive behaviour.
- 73% of Dutch women have experienced sexual harassment.
These are figures that cannot be ignored.
Safety in Sport
Sport should be a place for enjoyment, growth and belonging. A place where everyone feels safe. Yet the sports world is not always exempt from transgressive behaviour or intimidation.
At Sovicos, we believe it is important to be aware of these risks – and even more important to actively foster an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.
That is why we are dedicating extra attention to Orange the World during this period. Not because it is obligatory, but because it is necessary.
A Global Movement
Across more than 100 countries, countless initiatives take place during the 16 Days of Activism, including:
- Buildings, bridges and landmarks illuminated in orange
- Public debates, workshops and exhibitions
- Demonstrations and awareness activities
- Fundraising for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, the largest global fund dedicated to preventing and ending violence against women and girls
It is a visible and powerful way to show that gender-based violence is not a private matter, but a societal issue requiring collective responsibility.
What We Do at Sovicos
We are not letting this campaign pass by unnoticed. Our flag is flying, we are sharing information through our channels, and we take this topic seriously within our policies on social safety.
At Sovicos, we believe in a club culture rooted in respect, safety and inclusion.
Playing sport together also means taking care of one another and ensuring a safe environment for all. Orange the World is a global movement, but real change always begins close to home – with ourselves, our club, and our teams. Together, we continue working towards a Sovicos where everyone feels safe and supported.