Orange is the New Purple?

Nov 24, 2015 | Shine a Light

In the past, I’ve asked you to wear purple during October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), teal in April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) and denim on Denim Day. I  hope you’ve got a rainbow of colors in your closet because tomorrow I’m suggesting you wear orange. Why? In 1999, the United Nations’ General Assembly   declared November 25th as the International Day for the Awareness of Violence Against Women. Here’s why:

  • 35% of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries.

  • An estimated 133 million girls and women have experienced some form of female genital mutilation/cutting in the 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the harmful practice is most common.

  • Worldwide, more than 700 million women alive today were married as children, 250 million of whom were married before the age of 15. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to complete their education and more likely to experience domestic violence and complications in childbirth.

  • The costs and consequence of violence against women last for generations.



    • As I’m thinking of all the things in my life to be thankful for, I’m glad I live in the US. While we certainly have problems with gender based violence, the magnitude pales in comparison to other parts of the world. Want to learn more? Take a moment to view this infographic about worldwide violence against women.


    Join me tomorrow in raising awareness so we can achieve peace and equality for women worldwide.