Orange your City
Lighting Event for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Orange Your City – On 25 November, Leipzig University will once again take part in the worldwide lighting campaign to mark the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” To raise awareness, the Augusteum and the Paulinum (facing Augustusplatz) will glow in bright orange. This event is part of the global UN campaign “Orange The World.”
Since 1991, the UN campaign “Orange The World” draws attention to violence against girls and women, beginning on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and running until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The need for action remains alarming: UN Women Germany reports that every four minutes in Germany, a woman experiences violence in her (ex-)partnership. Worldwide, around 243 million girls and women are affected by partner violence. According to studies, nearly one in three women in Germany has experienced sexual and/or physical violence at least once in her life—impacting over 12 million women, according to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
Although our university stands firmly against all forms of discrimination and violence, violence against women can also occur within the academic environment. A study by Ruhr University Bochum found that 54.7% of female students in Germany have experienced sexualised discrimination, with 3.3% even subjected to severe sexualised violence. A third of these incidents occurred within the university setting, involving perpetrators such as lecturers, university staff, and fellow students.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) report on crimes against women in 2023 highlights the persistent issue of gender-based violence. Focusing on violence in close social relationships, the publication underscores that women remain disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence. The figures not only reveal the scale of these crimes but also emphasize the need for preventive measures and targeted support services for victims. Additionally, the report stresses the importance of public awareness and societal responsibility in addressing and combating this form of violence effectively.
The “Violence Against Women Support Hotline” offers aid to women seeking assistance. It is available 24/7, every day of the year, on 116 016—anonymous, free of charge, barrier-free, in 17 languages, as well as German Sign Language. Additionally, Leipzig University’s information portal #EsGehtUnsAn provides an overview of sexualised discrimination and violence, along with prevention measures and support services for those affected.
To stand against violence against women and raise awareness of safeguarding all university members, university buildings will be illuminated in orange on 25 November!
Author: Marvin Loye und Philipp Klemm