TIRANA, Nov. 25 – Albania has joined an international campaign of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence by going ‘orange’ to raise awareness on widespread violence against women.
UN Agencies in Albania in partnership with the ministry of social welfare civil society organizations are organizing public awareness campaigns calling on everybody to work towards a society free of violence. This year’s campaign also aims to engage men and boys, young people, celebrities, artists, sports personalities, religious communities and people across the country in this campaign against domestic violence –one of the most severe violations of human rights, says the UNDP in Albania.
“Domestic violence should stop. Not tomorrow. Not today. Time is now,” said Albania’s Social Welfare Minister Blendi Klosi, describing it as one of the most severe violations of human rights.
UNDP Country Director Yesim Oruc said the whole campaign is sending out a powerful message. “Domestic abuse is never acceptable, should never be ignored and must never be excused. Let us all join the numerous events that are being organized by partner civil society organizations to go ORANGE in every city and neighborhood,” she said.
According to the latest data, around 59 percent of women and girls in Albania suffer at least one form of gender based violence.
From Nop. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world, says UN Women, the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
