“Hope” is the key word for Burlington’s 10th annual Orange the World Vigil to end violence against women and girls. Burlington Ubuntu Grandwomen founder Elizabeth Rennie said the group continues to hold the event every year since 2015, because they care. “Violence against women is the most persistent violation of human rights according to a United Nations statement,” Rennie said. “With our vigil, which includes caring community people, we hope to join others globally in raising awareness of the need, and plead for action to stop the gender violence.”

This year’s Orange the World Vigil takes place Monday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at Burlington City Hall. Rennie said few people were involved in the first vigil, but organizers “felt its importance” and over the years the number of participants has grown, and includes community leaders. “Women from other groups are attending each year,” Rennie said. “Teenage girls have become involved, telling their stories.” She said it is difficult to measure the impact of the annual vigil, but doing nothing is not an option. “We hope that awareness will inspire change,” Rennie said. “Hope is the key word.”

Linda Rafuse, chair of Burlington Ubuntu Grandwomen, said Orange the World is part of a United Nations campaign that takes place from Nov. 25 to December 10. “The campaign encourages people to support awareness initiatives, start their own, and illuminate buildings and landmarks in orange,” Rafuse said. “The colour orange represents hope and a future free from violence.” Tomorrow, the Brant Street Pier will be lit orange. Rafuse said this year’s Orange the World campaign theme is “Safe, Anywhere, Anytime.” “The campaign aims to raise awareness that violence against women and girls can occur in many places, including at work, in education, and in public,” she said.

Halton Regional Police received 3,859 intimate partner violence calls in 2023. Over the year, there were 894 intimate partner violence arrests and 2,058 related charges. Carmela Bozzo of Halton Women’s Place, which provides emergency shelter and outreach services to women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse, said the Orange the World Vigil is more than a gathering. “It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors and the urgency to confront the reality of violence against women in our community,” Bozzo said. “By coming together, we not only honour those affected but also ignite a shared commitment to creating a community where safety, respect, and dignity are a given for every woman.”

Reprinted from The Burlington Post