16 Days of Activism for Gender-Based Violence campaign launched, calling for the elimination of violence against women

People’s Daily Online (Beijing) -- 2019 UNiTE ‘16 Days Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Violence’ was launched to eliminate all forms of violence against women in Beijing on Nov. 27, 2019.

According to data from a UN report, nearly one-third of women in the world have been victims of gender-based violence. Smriti Aryal, Head of the Office for UN Women China, called on people from all walks of life, particularly youths, to learn more about the prevention of and response to gender-based violence.

Smriti Aryal, Head of the Office for UN Women China, delivers a speech during the event in Beijing on Nov. 27, 2019. (Photo provided by UN Women)

“We need to renew our commitment, to speak out, and to take action,” added Smriti.

Hai Qing, a well-known Chinese actress and UN Women China Goodwill Ambassador, echoed Smriti’s speech, hoping that more men and women could pay attention to the issue of gender-based violence. “When women are treated unequally, they need to wake up in time and at the same time urge more men to stop gender-based violence,” she said.

Hai Qing, a well-known Chinese actress and UN Women China Goodwill Ambassador, attends the event in Beijing on Nov. 27, 2019. (Photo provided by UN Women)

During the panel discussion, experts and representatives from different fields shared their views and insights about standing against gender-based violence.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that kicked off on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

Experts and representatives share their views and insights about standing against gender-based violence during the panel discussion part of the event in Beijing on Nov. 27, 2019. (Photo provided by UN Women)

Orange is the themed color, which stands for vigilance, prevention of harm and costs of gender-based violence. Most importantly, this color symbolizes hope and encouragement to imagine a brighter future.

More than 120 guests attended the campaign, including guests from various embassies, UN agencies, nonprofit organizations and the media.