World Orange Day observed to protest violence against women

In a powerful stand against violence targeting women, World Orange Day was celebrated on Wednesday, with the participation of 40 beneficiaries in collaboration with Nari Maitree and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) under Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative. 

The event aimed to raise awareness about the critical issues of violence against women and the importance of accurate data collection through birth and death registration, said a press release.

The program included an engaging discussion on several important topics:

What and why World Orange Day is celebrated: Highlighting its significance as a global call to end violence against women and girls.

Understanding violence: Exploring its forms, effects, and the urgent need for action.

Violence against women: Addressing its prevalence and impact on society.

The importance of birth and death registration: Emphasising how accurate records contribute to policy planning, resource allocation, and justice.

The event also shed light on why death registration is particularly critical for women. 

Every year, countless women fall victim to unnatural deaths due to violence or women-related diseases. 

Unfortunately, the absence of precise data often prevents these cases from being included in surveys or addressed in public health initiatives. 

Accurate death registration can help identify the root causes, track patterns, and inform efforts to prevent such tragedies.

Participants took to the streets for a vibrant rally, donning orange T-shirts that symbolised the theme of World Orange Day. 

This public demonstration served as a visual declaration of solidarity and a commitment to creating a safer world for women and girls.

The event underscored that reliable data collection—through birth and death registration—plays an indispensable role in highlighting the scope of violence and ensuring that women's issues receive the attention they deserve. 

Advocating for systemic improvements in data accuracy, the organisers emphasised the importance of addressing underreported and unregistered deaths to foster a society where women’s lives are valued and protected.

Nari Maitree and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) under Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative reiterated their commitment to raising awareness and taking action to combat violence against women. 

They called on policymakers, communities, and individuals to unite in this cause, ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.