By Suzie Tombs
December 10 2019, 18.00
Follow @SW_Londoner
Marble Arch will turn orange today to mark a UN campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
The colour change will mark the end of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.
The event is organised by Zonta London, which joins more than 6,000 organisations in 187 countries calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
Zonta London President Dianne Jeans said: “Violence against women and girls around the world is one of the most devastating human rights violations in our world today.
“It affects women regardless of background or education and often takes place behind closed doors. It can come in many forms, including physical, sexual, or psychological violence, as well as economic abuse and exploitation.”
Dewi Spijkerman of Zonta London said: “Orange is like a warning sign but it’s also a symbol of hope for a brighter future, free of violence, and helps demonstrate our solidarity with those affected.”
Zonta London works to improve the lives and human rights of women and girls through empowerment by supporting local communities.
Projects include mentoring and skills workshops for at-risk women and girls in disadvantaged communities. The organisation believes these people would otherwise be vulnerable through violence, lack of education or unemployment.
However, Zonta remains relatively unknown in the UK despite belonging to Zonta International, a leading global NGO founded in 1919, with over 29,000 members in 63 countries.
Mrs Jeans said: “We invite people to join us at Marble Arch on December 10 in a show of support for the women and girls affected by violence. Please accept our gift of a rose and remember to wear something orange.”
