At the Athlone and District Soroptimist launch of the Orange World campaign Against Gender Based Violence last Friday evening; Back row: Lto R Deirdre Collins, Roberta Steacy, Heather McCullough, Susan O'Flaherty, Ann Finnegan, Councillor Aonghus O’Rourke, Bernie Egan, Anne McGlynn, Shirley Ross, Rev. William Stecy, St Mary’s Church of Ireland.Front Row: Anne Dwan, Geraldine Boland, Rosie Boles, Fr. John Duignan SS Peter & Paul’s Breda Crehan Roche, Councillor John Dolan, Mayor Louise Heavin, Annette Buckley, President Soroptimist International Athlone, Darina Dolan, Peggy Garvey, Pat Braiden, Sile O’Flaherty. Photo Paul Molloy.

Athlone Soroptimist Club launch campaign against gender-based violence

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Athlone Soroptimist Club launched its 16 days of activisim campaign, 'Orange The World Against Gender Based Violence on Friday last in Athlone.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence, beginning on November 25, the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Over the 16 days leading up to December 10, International Human Rights Day, the United Nations, NGOs and women across the globe will be increasing awareness of gender-based violence.

Councillor John Dolan, Annette Buckley President Athlone and District Soroptimist, Fr. John Duignan, Councillor Aengus O' Rourke, Councillor Louise Heavin Mayor Athlone and Moate Municipal District and Rev. William Stanley at the Athlone and District Soroptimist launch of the Orange World campaign Against Gender Based Violence last Friday evening. Photo Paul Molloy.

Anyone can do this by provising a small area in your business such as a shop window or reception area for the Soroptimist Club to place an orange shoe and card about the programme.

In Ireland, violence against women is a significant issue that has worsened since the pandemic. A total of 244 women have been murdered since 1996 (Women’s Aid, 2022), and in resolved cases, 87% of these women were killed by a man known to them. At least 26% of women in Ireland have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, and 41% of people in Ireland know a woman within their circle of friends and family who are a victim of some form of domestic violence.

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