Beijing, November 25, 2019 – This year the UN system in China is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December, with the theme of “Orange the World – Generation Equality Stands against Violence”.
Gender-based violence roots in a complex set of traditions, beliefs and stereotypes. It undermines the health, dignity, security, autonomy and equal employment right of its survivors. Globally, one in three women have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence. In China, the third national survey on the status of women showed that 24.7% of married and once married women have experienced domestic violence.
Intersectional issues such as ageing, migration, poverty, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations may increase susceptibility to gender-based violence. In China, 9.4 percent of rural and 5 percent of urban elderly women suffer from family violence. 40 percent of LGBT community members have experienced bullying in schools because of their sexual orientations and gender identities.
Recently, besides persistent workplace sexual harassment and school-related gender-based violence, new forms of gender-based violence such as online cyber bullying have been emerging globally. Addressing them requires increased awareness of and concrete actions by every member of the global community.
China has taken a firm stand against gender-based violence. At the Global Leader’s Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in 2015, President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. In the same year, China passed the country’s first anti-domestic violence law. Governments at all levels in China have also been taking measures to address gender-based violence.
In 2020, the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action presents an unprecedented opportunity to review the progress made and make renewed commitment to accelerate the implementation of the anti-domestic violence law, as well as other actions against gender-based violence.
This year, under the umbrella of UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign that marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the UN system in China calls on people from all walks of life, particularly youths, to learn more about prevention of and response to gender-based violence.
The 2019 campaign will be an interactive initiative with online and offline components, coordinated by UN Women with contribution from the UN Theme Group on Gender. The campaign’s theme color, orange, represents a brighter future and solidarity among communities.
Throughout the 16 days, internet users will utilize the colour orange and relevant hashtags such as #点亮橙色(#OrangetheWorld) and #平等的一代(#GenerationEquality) to create innovative, meaningful and impactful messages on ending gender-based violence.
Editor’s Note:
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence.
In support of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, under the leadership of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign (UNiTE) calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share of knowledge and innovations. The colour orange is a unifying theme running through all of its global activities.