ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The Colombo Municipality along with several other government institutions are participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence where iconic buildings will shine bright in orange in a bid to foster a safer environment for women and girls.

“Every year, iconic buildings around the world are illuminated in orange during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, a global campaign that starts from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). Throughout the 16 days, Governments, UN agencies, civil society, and activists come together to raise awareness on this issue that knows no social, economic, or national boundaries,” a statement by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sri Lanka said.

More than a third of women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. In Sri Lanka, with support from the Colombo Municipal Council, the Town Hall building shines bright in orange for 16 days, urging the need to foster a safer environment for women and girls.

“Despite any political situation, gender-based violence still happens, and it must be stopped. We will continue to advocate for zero violence against women and girls in Sri Lanka and around the world, to ensure no one is left behind”, says Ms. Ritsu Nacken, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sri Lanka.