THE south will be illuminated in orange for Soroptimists’ domestic violence campaign.
Soroptimists from Winchester and Solent East clubs are lighting up the Spinnaker Tower to create awareness of the campaign to end Domestic Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Winchester Guildhall’s clock face and the University of Winchester’s West Downs Centre will also be turning orange over the weekend from Friday, November 24.
Soroptimist International Orange the World campaign runs from November 25 and includes 16 days of activism, ending on the United Nation’s Human Rights Day on Sunday, December 10.
The launch day on Saturday, 25 November is also White Ribbon Day, when people across the world wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women.
READ MORE: Winchester Soroptimists call for action for victims of domestic abuse
This day has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Dame Vera Baird, former victims’ commissioner who has worked closely with Soroptimists on Domestic Abuse courts, said: “Great to see that the wonderful Soroptimists support this campaign and raise awareness of domestic abuse against women and girls. With education for boys and girls and a wider understanding of how this affects lives today, there is much to be done to change attitudes.”
The club has contacted MPs in the area for their support and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones. The Soroptimist members have also received support from Bishop Jonathan of Portsmouth, Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, and Bishop Philip of Winchester, Rev Philip Mounstephen
Bishop Frost said: “I wholeheartedly support and endorse the SI Winchester and District campaign to end gender violence and domestic abuse in Hampshire and around the world.”
Bishop Mounstephen said: “I’m wearing orange to support the Orange the World campaign because standing against gender-based violence is everyone’s business – so it’s my business too.”
Romsey MP Caroline Nokes said: "I am so pleased to see the campaign by Soroptimists International to “Orange the World” and highlight the dreadful toll of violence against women and girls.
"This November the 25th we will come together to mark White Ribbon Day, and continue the work to stamp out gendered violence. It is great to see local Soroptimists so involved and the Spinnaker Tower turning orange."
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Their campaign has also been endorsed by the High Sheriff Amelia Ashton and the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Angela Clear.
Rick Stein restaurant in Winchester High Street is showing its support by donating 50p from sales of its seasonal pudding. A spokesperson from the restaurant said: "It’s a seasonal pudding but includes orange and Grand Marnier, so fits well with the orange campaign theme and we are pleased to support this."
Winchester Soroptimists will be running a stall at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market on the eve of the campaign on Friday, November 24 with the Mayor of Winchester. Members will wear orange and give out information as well as selling items for charity.
Soroptimist International (SI) aims to transform the lives of women and girls, through education, empowerment and enablement.
The Winchester branch meets on the 25th of every month at Projects Cafe in Kings Walk in Winchester. Anyone is welcome to join in.
SI Winchester supports the Women’s Refuge, the Winchester Beacon and the Trinity Centre and Two Saints in Southampton.
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