Buildings and landmarks in Liverpool will be illuminated bright orange on Saturday 25th November, as part of an international campaign aimed at ending gender-based violence.
The colour orange, used in the global “Orange the World” campaign, is intended to be a symbol of hope for a brighter future, free of violence or abuse, a message supported by Savera UK’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign.
City landmarks that will illuminate orange include St John’s Beacon, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, World Museum Liverpool and Merseyside Police Headquarters.
The illumination will take place on the same day that charities Savera UK and Zonta UK will march through Liverpool city centre from Williamson Square to call for an end to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), harmful practices and all forms of gender-based abuse, after Savera UK has seen an increase of almost 6% in new referrals into its service and a continuing growth in demand.
The event will start at 1:45pm with a drumming performance from Katumba and some short speeches before the march will begin, heading through town with Movema’s Sankofa and Liver Birds performing to celebrate the beauty of culture.
There will be a further stop along the route when Savera UK survivor ambassador, Khatra Paterson, will share her story, and readings from Savera UK’s own clients will also be shared.
Savera UK is a leading national organisation that helps survivors and those at risk of HBA and harmful practices, which include forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and conversion therapy. Zonta UK is part of Zonta International, a global organisation that stands for women’s rights and advocates for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence.
Each year, the 25th of November marks the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the United Nation’s “Orange the World” campaign and annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.
The #16Days campaign ends on Sunday 10th December, Human Rights Day, when a number of the participating landmarks are expected to light up orange once again in a show of solidarity and support.