Soroptimists raise awareness of violence against women and girls

Taking place on the 25th of each month, and also during the annual 16 Days of Activism, the wearing of orange is a call for action against violence committed on women and girls, as designated by the United Nations. Orange is used as a unifying colour symbolising a brighter future free of violence for women and girls.

According to the figures provided by the United Nations, every 11 minutes, a woman is killed. And, according to the World Health Organisation, more than one in three women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime.

The UN says that violence against women and girl is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today and is a threat to millions of girls and women, both online and offline.

On November, 25 last year,  the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, Soroptimists across the UK wore orange as they took part in 16 Days of Activism, ending on December, 10, Human Rights Day.

Ruth Healey, President of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, said: “Amounting to a national emergency, violence against women and girls can take so many forms – physical, emotional, financial, and coercive – and much of it is now hidden, which makes it so much harder to combat.

“It’s terrifying that between 2018 and 2023, there was a 37 percent increase in violent crimes against women and girls.The issue is growing, and the urgency for collective action is underscored by staggering numbers and reports highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence both nationally and globally."

Soroptimists is a membership organisation which focuses on empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential and works to eliminate barriers and discrimination that hinder women’s progress.

The charity aims to achieve this through its 248 clubs throughout the UK, Ireland, Malta, Asia and the Caribbean – over 200 of which are in the UK – and it currently has a total of 5,150 members.

The organisation has consultancy status at the UN – with members participating in UN meetings, submitting statements and collaborating on global projects which advance gender equality.

Ruth added: "As Soroptimists, we believe we need to continue to raise awareness of this issue – empowering communities with the knowledge needed to help prevent violence before it starts."

Orange the World was started in 2008 by eighth Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations, shortly after he played a critical role in the establishment of UN Women.

The monthly wearing of orange is just one of the activities carried out by the Skipton group of Soroptimists, a global organisation and registered charity.

The group has its own premises, in Otley Street, which it rents out to many organisations to raise money for various projects and charities. Members meet twice every month to listen to a variety of interesting speakers and for fundraising.

Rosalie Holroyd, president of Soroptimist International of Skipton in Craven, said there are 17 clubs in Yorkshire, each doing a range of work contributing to the 'beating heart' of the global organisation.

"Skipton Soroptimists raise money for local and regional causes. In the past months, we have made a number of donations to local charities such as the Beamsley project,  Martin House Hospice,  Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and the Principle Trust. We have sent 100 pairs of knickers along with a donation to the Ukraine, and also filled 85 boxes which were sent to children in Ukraine in October of last year.

Skipton members also tend the Coronation Gardens in Skipton by planting flowers,  bulbs and shrubs ,to keep the weeds away and help make the entrance or exit to Skipton  a welcoming one."

In addition, Skipton Soroptimists have helped fund the building of a toilet in Nepal for the use of schoolgirls, who in the past have had to miss school and stay at home while having their period.

Skipton Soroptimists was founded in 1949 and this year marks its 76th anniversary. It has been awarded the Freedom of Craven for its charity work.

Last year, for the group's 75th anniversary, Soroptimists from across Yorkshire attended a special celebration at Elsworth at the Mill in Skipton. It was attended by the then Skipton Mayor, Sheila Bentley, along with Susie Westwood, president of Soroptimist International of Yorkshire; Lindsay Green, programme director of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, and North Yorkshire councillor Simon Myers.

Find out more at: https://sigbi.org/skipton/