Orange The World Herts Campaign – International Day to End Violence Against Women

Tuesday 25th November 2025 was the International Day to End Violence Against Women, also known as “White Ribbon Day”.  Emma Robarts DL represented the Lord Lieutenant at the local launch of Soroptimist International’s annual campaign to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.  Soroptimist Kate Belinis DL was also present.

The main event was in St Albans’ Council Chambers.  The keynote speech was a moving account by an extraordinarily brave domestic abuse survivor.  The second speaker delivered a powerful talk on the 8-stage “timeline” of events before a domestic violence homicide. This provides a framework for tracking homicide risk in cases of coercive control and stalking.

The Soroptimists’ St Albans and District branch has been working with Herts County Council and St Albans District Council to support the global United Nations Orange the World Campaign from Nov 25 to 10 Dec: “16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women”. They explain: “As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls. Orange is a great colour for people to wear to get noticed and for lighting up buildings – as can be seen from the photos!”