Kuwait is turning orange and many buildings are lighting up orange in support of ending violence against women.

WHAT IS ORANGE THE WORLD?

It is a global movement organized by United Nations, which takes place annually in the period between November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10 - Human Rights Day across the world.

The campaign aims to raise awareness around the world on the importance of ending violence against women and girls and to encourage people to take actions towards securing the safety and rights of women and girls all over the world.

The colour orange was chosen to symbolize a brighter future without violence.

WHO ARE SOROPTIMIST KUWAIT?

Soroptimist Kuwait is a local Civil Society Organization with an international affiliation with Soroptimist International Europe (SIE). The Club was chartered by SIE on October 23, 2015 and was recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in August 2016 (86/A الرقم الوزاري)

Soroptimist Kuwait is a group of professional women who seek societal growth and development. Women in Kuwait, as they have always been, are keen to support and empower other women and their families at all levels. They have been pillars of social stability and cultural development throughout our history.

Despite the obstacles Kuwaiti women faced in the 20th century, they managed to take the lead regionally and attain considerable positions, going beyond winning the right to vote and the right to run for parliamentary elections. Economic, cultural and social rights for women were stipulated in the State's Constitution and Kuwaiti women made sure those rights were implemented.

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WHAT IS ORANGE KUWAIT?

It is a social platform under Soroptimist Kuwait.

They aspire for a future Kuwait that is free from discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Their mission:

  1. Raise awareness about challenging discrimination and violence against women and girls in Kuwait.
  2. Advocate for the repeal of discriminatory laws and regulations.
  3. Demand the implementation of adequate protection measures against violence.

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THIS YEAR'S THEME

This year theme is focused on prevention of violence in the partnership and how women are seen in media.The media is our window towards the world. It reflects the societies in which it exists in, and the concerns of the communities it serves.

Media has an impact on the achievement of gender equality, since it has the power and capacity to inspire change in norms, attitudes stereotypes and behaviors by determining whose voices are heard, why, when and in what way.

WHY MEDIA?

The media has an integral role in the dissemination of credible information as well as a force for positive change in society simply by devoting more attention to the social, economic, and cultural, achievements of women.

Programs and shows should highlight rural women, the poor, the young, the aged, the disabled, and the unmarried — without distorting their images.

The media should balance its coverage of women by portraying them as productive members of the work force and not just as consumers.

Finally, the media should depict girls and women as strong and productive individuals in society to lessen the gender discrimination.

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Gender based violence remains one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality and sustainable development. Estimates from UN Women indicate that 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, not to mention verbal and psychological abuse. Kuwait is no exception to the international data on violence against women.

What is Gender Based Violence?

Gender-based violence is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies.

Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men experience gender-based violence.

While men are also victims of GBV it is a phenomenon that disproportionally effects women and girls

Gender-based violence is difficult to tackle, often context specific, with questions of power, rights, and obligations. Education, representation, and research are tools that help confront these challenges, but the strongest and quickest tool in this day and age of electronic and information technology, is the media.

NUMBERS TELL A STORY

In 2016, the OECD estimated that gender-based discrimination in laws and social norms costs the MENA region $575 billion a year.*

It is estimated that raising women's participation in the labour force to the same level as men could boost global
GDP by USD 12 trillion, or 26%, by 2025.**

* source: https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/R46423.pdf

** source: https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/legal-and-social-barriers-holding-back-women-s-empowerment-in-middle-eastand-
north-africa.htm

THE BODY SHOP CONTRIBUTION

Our store staff are spreading awareness about the campaign by wearing orange t-shirts during November 25 – December 10. Support us by wearing something orange, too.

We are contributing to organizing events and educate youth about the issues related to media violence.

We are spreading awareness through our digital channels.

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