UN Women is drawing a line to end violence against women and girls forever as part of its annual global initiative to ‘Orange the World’. Symbolising a brighter future without violence, UN Women NC UK has launched a powerful homegrown campaign this weekend, #drawaline, asking the public to help end the silence and bring about change.
Launched on the 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and running to the 10th December, Human Rights Day, UN Women is bringing together people and organisations from around the world to end violence against women and girls.
As recent headlines have demonstrated, violence against women and girls often remains hidden in plain sight – in the media, in popular culture, in the street and in homes. Violence is a line that should never be crossed, yet it still affects 1 in 4 women in the UK, and up to 70% of the female population in some parts of the world.
UN Women NC UK, in partnership with WPP and its other agencies, is asking the government, local authorities, emergency services, as well as a host of companies and influential figures to help them #drawaline to end violence against women and girls. Check out the powerful video featuring Billie Piper, Beverley Knight, Joanne Froggatt and many other celebrities.
Here’s how we can all get involved.
Online: draw your own orange line and post your picture on social media. Say why you want to #drawaline and share your pictures on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In person: go to Covent Garden Piazza until 28th November, where an orange line has been drawn around the east side of the market hall. Share your selfies featuring the orange line.
Donate: an interactive orange line has been drawn at drawaline.org.uk which grows every time a donation is made.
You can also donate by buying some amazing products including the orange ONE BRACELET, the Talia bouquet from Bloom & Wild, and Karen Millen’s orange midi dress, with 30% of sales contributing towards initiatives that help survivors and prevent violence.
UN Women NC UK is also hosting a self defence workshop, in partnership with Action Breaks Silence and Fusion Leisure, aimed at empowering women and girls through education and self-defence. All funds raised through ticket sales will support the work of UN Women NC UK and Action Breaks Silence.
For more information visit www.drawaline.org.uk.