Every 25th is Orange Day

Orange Day was held last week at the Goethe Centre. The campaign aims to end violence against women, and every 25th of the month is proclaimed “Orange Day,” a day to take action to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls. Orange Day Campaign was launched on 25 February 2014 by MISA Namibia together with Victims to Survivors, Women’s Solidarity Network and Sister Namibia.

Lizette Feris, Child Rights Officer at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) addressed the issue about speaking up, and getting involved, in the space you occupy.  She asked the audience why activists and duty bearers are so disconnected. She also asked who holds the media accountable or is it only the job of the Ombudsman or should individuals and the community members also get involved?
Feris said that arts and entertainment are also a medium get their messages across to the audience. “Namibians love socialising, let us go to the people and not wait for the people to come to us, with more ambush theatre, social experiments and flash mobs,” she added.
She challenged the audience to think how they can integrate their messages, their mediums and the available platforms with the audiences.
 “We are excellent at having meetings, reporting writing, have a zillion recommendations and people are tired of talk shops, therefore it is time we take action and connect the people,” she said. Feris also called for the support for the Happy Baby Drive and asked individuals and their employers to get involved. Donations of baby clothes and baby supplies will be given to women and babies currently being sheltered by the Woman and Child Protection Unit. Donations can be delivered either at One Africa Television or the MISA Namibia head office.
Orange is the colour of action, action makes a difference, therefore the community, Civil Society Organisation and the Media are urged to observe the 25th of every month as Orange Day and to take action to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.