THE EMBASSY OF THE NETHERLANDS IN LITHUANIA PUTS A SPOTLIGHT ON ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Lithuania has joined the international ‘Orange the World’ campaign to support all victims of gender based violence. To express solidarity with women and girls who have experienced such violence, the Residence of the Dutch Ambassador was illuminated in orange. This is the colour that symbolizes the fight against violence against women and is used every year for a 16 day campaign starting on the 25th of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

During the lighting ceremony, former President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite; the leader of the Coordination council for the Transfer of Power in Belarus Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Hans Brask and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bonnie Horbach together said ‘No!’ to violence against women and girls.

According to the Dutch Ambassador, combatting gender-based violence is a priority of the Netherlands. “It is important that we protect our women and girls so they can unlock their full potential. Where women and men have access to equal opportunities, and when discriminatory laws are lifted, women and girls, their families and their communities thrive. Orange is the colour of hope, but we need more than hope! We need, everybody, men & women, old & young, parents, friends, teachers & neighbours to stand up and protect those facing violence today. We call upon you to help us end gender-based violence.”

Gender Based Violence is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. The data shows that in Lithuania 35% women from the age of 15 have experienced sexual harassment. In addition, almost a quarter of Lithuanian women experience domestic violence and that is considering the fact that less than 25% of the cases were reported to law enforcement. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the situation has even worsened.

Ambassador Bonnie Horbach added: “The Lithuanian and Dutch societies are based on the same principles of the rule of law, something that is reflected in our membership of the European Union. It means we stand for respect for human freedoms, equality and human dignity. We believe that these values are essential. Not only for our two countries, but for the EU and the entire world. Violence against our women and girls can be no part of a just society. As women are about to take executive roles in the new Government of the Republic of Lithuania, we look at this new leadership to set an example and to improve human rights situation in Lithuania. The Netherlands and Lithuania can work together to erase violence and build safer environment for all. By lightening the Residence, we are sending a message of hope that the future can and will be brighter”.

The ‘Orange the World’ campaign, held since 1991, is to continue until December 10th: Human Rights Day. During these sixteen days, a number of videos, photos and texts will be posted on the social media channels of the Embassy of the Netherlands, raising awareness about gender-based violence against women.

Photo: @Mantas Repecka

Pranešimą paskelbė: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lithuania
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