On Wednesday November 25, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Government of Tajikistan, the United Nations and the European Union partnered on an event launching in Tajikistan the global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism on gender-based violence, also known as the “Orange campaign.”
Key issues discussed during the event reportedly included the importance of acting and facilitating dialogue and transformations within families and communities and mobilizing youth, social media and civil society to prevent GBV and challenge harmful stereotypes and social norms and promote positive alternatives, through engagement of men both young and old.
This year, #16DaysOfActivism campaign took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during which countries around the world have seen an alarming increase in the prevalence of gender-based violence during lockdowns, access to and funding for services as decreased and frontline service providers have reprioritized pandemic response.
Nearly one in five women worldwide has experienced violence in the past year globally. In Tajikistan the government-issued Demographic and Health Survey data from 2017 showed that one in three women has experienced gender-based violence.
Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu, UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan noted: “During the COVID-19 pandemic women are suffering a shadow pandemic of gender-based violence. Without a significant increase in action, resources and mobilization, there is a risk of losing years of slow but hard-fought gains; decades of progress and millions of lives are at risk. We must keep gender-based violence at the top of government agendas and engage the public more broadly during this difficult time.”
Ms. Hilolbi Qurbonzoda, Chairperson of the Committee on Family and Women Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan, emphasized in her opening remarks that the Government of Tajikistan is strong in its determination to end violence against women and girls and provide them with all opportunities for harmonious development and meaningful contribution to the development processes. “We appreciate the unique important role development partners play assisting the Government in achieving SDGs and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment,” she said.
The theme of the 2020 campaign is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and reflects growing global priority actions to address the needs of women and girls experiencing gender-based violence and especially as it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To demonstrate their commitment, support, and solidarity with the global campaign, people all over the world light up their communities in orange, as the orange color symbolizes a brighter, free of violence future for women and girls.
In Tajikistan, the Orange Day campaign has been marked for several years, and this year traditional lighting ceremonies of landmark buildings by UN House, Office of the EU Delegation will be joined by other buildings in Dushanbe, including German Embassy, British Embassy, Swiss Development and Cooperation Office and Sozidanie Business Center, which will also be turned into orange color to show support to the campaign and global solidarity to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls.
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