Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) and the UN Women Egypt Country Office lit up in orange the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx on Wednesday to kick off a joint campaign titled “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.”
The international campaign extends from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, International Human Rights Day.
According to a statement by the NCW, the orange color represents a future that is free from all forms of violence against women worldwide.
Throughout the campaign, iconic buildings and monuments around the world are lit up in orange to raise awareness of the cause.
“Violence against women represents a gross violation of human rights, and has many negative effects on women, whether physical or psychological, that prevent them from actively participating in society,” NCW Chairperson Maya Morsy said.
Violence against women also has a great impact on the economic, social, political, and cultural aspects of a community, whether it be local or international, she added.
Morsy called for coordinated efforts to confront this phenomenon.
“Violence against women and girls continues to be a global phenomenon that not only has negative consequences for women but also their families, communities, and nations. But violence against women and girls can be overcome with our joint efforts, investments, and voice,” said Christine Arab, UN Women Egypt Country Representative.
