Orange-Lit Landmarks Call for Society Free from Violence against Women

Belgrade/Novi Sad/Pirot – 25 November 2020 – The UN Country Team Serbia, in partnership with the Government of Serbia, joins the global UN action Orange the World in 16 Days campaign to send a strong message on ending violence against women and girls.

“These days, if you see landmarks in Belgrade and many local governments in Serbia lit in orange – from Avala Tower, Branko's Bridge and Ada Bridge, to Kale Fortress in Pirot, Vrla Bridge on Corridor 10, or Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad and many more – think about what our society would be like if it were free from violence, tolerant and safe for all our citizens who are women, since eliminating violence against women and girls is the theme behind these orange lights,” Dr Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Coordination Body for Gender Equality, said today.

She added that this year, once more, Serbia joined the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, whose official colour was orange, symbolising bright and optimistic future free from gender-based violence. 

“But, if we want to build a future for women exposed to violence and the young generations to come, then all of us must work much harder to prevent violence. Women, you are not alone – report abusers. Men, you have no right to beat and abuse women. None of us have the right to remain silent and close our eyes to violence happening to our neighbour, cousin, mother, sister, a woman in the street. Report violence – save women's lives,” appealed Mihajlović.

Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, noted that this campaign was one in a series of awareness raising actions aimed at ending violence against women and girls, which persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In partnership with the Government of Serbia and women’s non-governmental organisations, the United Nations in Serbia is working on digital and innovative solutions for preventing violence, supporting women and girls and easier reporting. Violence against women is a barrier to equality, development, peace, and enjoyment of human rights by women and girls. The essence of the Sustainable Development Goals – to leave no one behind – cannot be realised without eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls. It is admirable that Serbia has joined the campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” said Jacob.

The global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is run throughout the world. It is launched on 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December – the International Human Rights Day. The campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is aimed at raising awareness and taking action to fight violence against women. As part of this initiative, events are organised in countries worldwide, including Serbia, and city landmarks are lit in orange to turn the spotlight on this important issue.