Cities, governments, organizations, and people around the world join together from November 25 through December 10 to take a stand to end violence against women. The United Nations Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence Against Women kicks off on November 25, the official International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and follows through to December 10, Human Rights Day. This gives the world #16DaysofActivism to take a stand with UNiTE’s campaign. All around the globe people are invited to Orange the World by organizing events, lighting buildings orange, and having discussions about violence against women and the ways everyone can help end gendered-based violence.

The color orange is used to symbolize a “brighter future without violence.” This campaign is important because it highlights the continued impact of gender-based violence on the ability of women and girls’ ability to navigate their lives, affecting their access and ability to succeed in education, employment, and social and personal relationships.

I want to challenge the Dickinson community to join the #16DaysofActivism and Orange our Campus. Let’s think and talk about how violence against women exists and manifests itself on our campus and how we can work to change it. It all starts with recognition and validation that this is a real problem that exists in our world and our community.

On behalf of the Dickinson’s Women’s and Gender Resource Center and the Prevention, Education and Advocacy Center, we invite you to stop by at our table at the bottom of the HUB on Wednesday, November 30, from 12:30-1:30 to pick up a sticker and learn about how Dickinson is standing in solidarity with UNiTE’s campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

Written by Ana Gamino ’18