Day of Action to Combat Violence against Women

The so-called “Orange the World” campaign is symbolised by the colour orange and is organised by UN Women, a non-profit organisation, focused on the eradication of gender-based violence against women. It is worth remembering that the situation has not improved in the last few years. On the contrary, in many ways it has worsened significantly. Covid-19, climate change, economic instability, and the outbreak of conflicts around the globe, such as the invasion of Ukraine, have contributed to a worsening situation. All of us at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa not only commemorate this day each year, but more importantly, we try to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence. The Czech Republic is one of the countries, which, according to the framework of the 53rd session of the UN council this year, adopted a resolution to combat violence against women, focus on women in criminal detention, and oppose forced marriage. Furthermore, the Czech Republic also supported the adoption of a resolution in support of girls’ rights to education (Realising the Equal Enjoyment of the Right to Education by Every Girl). In August 2023, the Czech Government approved a new action plan for the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence for the period of 2023-2026. There is a particular emphasis on improving support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. This one important step of many in the continued process of combating and eradicating the global problem of gender-based violence.