Mainz shines orange: Action day against violence against women on November 25th!

Mainz shines orange: Action day against violence against women on November 25th!

On Tuesday, November 25th, Mainz city center will be colored bright orange - a symbol against violence against women and girls and against human rights violations. The “Orange Days” begin and call for people to reflect on and combat social injustices. This international campaign is part of the UN initiative “Orange the World”, which has existed since 1991 and draws attention to violence against women.

The campaign procession starts at 1:30 p.m. on Holzstrasse and can be seen through the old town. With a colorful program consisting of costumes, banners, posters and other eye-catching materials, the organizers want to transform the city into a symbol of resistance. The route crosses, among other places, Augustinerstrasse, Leichhof and Gutenbergplatz until it reaches the LUX pavilion on Ludwigsstrasse. Katharina Binz, the Minister for Family, Women, Culture and Integration, is also expected to attend.

Diverse actions for an important message

The Mainz University of Applied Sciences, particularly the interior design and communication design departments, is the driving force behind this initiative and is planning additional activities at important university locations on Holzstrasse, Wallstrasse and Lucy-Hillebrand-Strasse as well as at the House of Remembrance. In addition, on Monday, November 24th, a large banner will be placed on the balcony of the Mainz State Theater to stir up anticipation for the Orange Days.

The organizers want to draw attention to the different forms of violence that women and girls experience both in public and in digital spaces. This problem is supported by alarming figures: The increase in domestic violence in Germany by 6.5 percent in 2024, of which 70.5 percent of those affected are women, shows that there is an urgent need for action. A case of domestic violence is reported every three minutes in Germany. In cities like Esslingen, the number of women seeking help in counseling centers even rose by 8.3 percent.

Public discussion and informative stands

A central element of the “Orange Days” will be the public panel discussion on the evening of November 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the LUX Pavilion. The topic of “Violence through words – how patriarchal structures work on the Internet” is discussed there. Renowned experts, including Dr. Jessica Hamed and Prof. Dr. Isabelle Hillebrandt, take part in the discussion in order to be able to discuss important aspects.

The Central Equal Opportunities Office at the University of Oldenburg is also taking part in the Orange Days with an information stand on November 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the cafeteria foyer. University members are invited to take an active part and send a strong message against violence. The background to the campaign is not only the visibility of the topic, but also the promotion of a culture of respect and equality.

These actions are part of a broader movement that includes the International Day to End Violence Against Women on November 25th and Human Rights Day on December 10th. The aim is not only to raise awareness, but also to show practical ways for committed and interested people to actively support the rights of women and girls.

Together we must raise our voices and take a stand to end violence against women and girls. The Orange Days are an important step in this direction and offer the opportunity for reflection and exchange. Further information can be found on the website of Mainz University of Applied Sciences and the Central Equal Opportunities Office of the University of Oldenburg: Mercuryist, Stuttgart News, University of Oldenburg.