SETU today was among 16 Irish higher education institutions to take a powerful stand during the global campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Orange the World.
The campaign begins today, Monday, 25 November, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. The initiative will highlight the urgent need to eliminate violence against women and girls. This year, the campaign is underscored by the theme: ‘Every 11 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse”. The signature colour of the campaign is orange. As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls.
Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at SETU, commented,
"At SETU, we recognize the power of awareness and action. Orange the World and the 16 Days of Activism are a call to end gender-based violence, reminding us all that change begins with commitment and collective effort."
SETU is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness, and encouraging every member of the community to actively participate during these 16 Days of Activism. A series of events and campaigns, both online and offline, will serve to educate, engage, and empower participants in advocating for a future free from gender-based violence.
Róisín Shanahan, SETU Sexual Violence and Harassment, Prevention, and Response Manager, commented,
"It is wonderful to see all the Universities across Ireland coming together for the first time for the 16 Days of Activism campaign. We stand united in our commitment to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and to support those impacted. Through collaboration, education, and unwavering solidarity, we are creating a future where respect, dignity, and safety are the foundation of every campus community."
16 Days of Activism was first launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence worldwide. Now, with the backing of the United Nations Secretary-General’s ‘UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women Campaign’, universities, organisations, and individuals around the globe are joining the cause.
“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable – it can and must be stopped. By standing together and using our voices, we can turn awareness into action, creating a safer and more equal society for all,” said a spokesperson for UNiTE.
SETU took part in a video alongside colleagues from its fellow higher education institutions to celebrate '16 Days of Activism' and 'Orange the World' campaigns.
As part of the campaign, SETU will host the inaugral Tackling Gender-based Violence National Summit, on 2 December at its Waterford Campus and 3 December at the Carlow Campus, which is open to staff, students, and practitioners that work in prevention and response to gender-based violence across all higher education institutions and external support agencies. The summit features keynote speeches from experts and thought leaders in awareness and prevention services.
For more information on how to attend the summit, click here.
For more information on SETU’s policies in relation to consent and the prevention of sexual violence, click here.