The United Nations has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day begins an annual international campaign called 16 Days of Activism, which draws attention to this important human rights violation.
During the day, well-known buildings around the world will be illuminated in orange – the colour chosen to symbolise the day. For the first time this year, Finland's Government Palace will be lit up in orange too.
"Violence against women is a significant problem in Finland too," the Finnish government said in a press release. Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s cabinet is committed to reducing violence against women and a new programme for combating violence against women was published in October.
62 million victims in Europe
A survey made by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reveals that one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. In Europe, this means 62 million women.
Finland promotes wide ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women (Istanbul Convention). The country supports the accession of the European Union to the Convention.
The Government Palace will be illuminated orange from Tuesday 24 November at 18.00 until Thursday 26 November at 9.00.
