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Show
your true colours and orange your neighbourhood!
 As part of the 16 Days of Activism
against Gender Violence and the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women in November, we need you to
spread the word that violence against women must end by turning
your neighbourhood orange!
This month, we are turning the Beijing+20 logo orange as a call to
action. Take a moment to show your support by promoting the
Beijing+20 logo in orange on your websites and blogs throughout
November. Click
here to download orange logo »
Looking for inspiration on how to #orangeurhood?
Don't worry. We will suggest more ways you can take action later
this month on unwomen.org, so
stay tuned!
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Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka — It's time to fulfil the promise to end violence
against women
 UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
has devoted her life to issues of human rights, equality and social
justice and previously served as Deputy President of South Africa.
In this message, she stresses that violence against women can and
must end by addressing its root cause – gender inequality.
Read
her op-ed »
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Nicole
Kidman — Play Your Part to End
Violence against Women
 UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and
Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman raises awareness to end violence
against women. She urges all members of society to play their part
in halting this pandemic that affects one in three women and girls
globally.
Read
her op-ed »
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Below are
some select stories that showcase how the UN system works to
address violence against women.
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Our champions
are women and men who have made gender equality and women's
empowerment their cause and mission in life. Our newcomers this
month:
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Midori
— Musical virtuoso, child prodigy and UN Messenger of Peace
 Invited to tour Asia with the New
York Philharmonic at the young age of ten, Midori is an
internationally renowned soloist musician, winning the prestigious
Avery Fisher Prize for excellence in music, and is an official UN
Messenger of Peace. She is also a powerful advocate to end
violence against women. Watch
video »
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Sergio
Fajardo — An uneducated girl is a failure of human dignity
 Sergio Fajardo is the governor of
Antioquia, Colombia and a #HeforShe. A mathematician turned
politician, Fajardo believes that gender equality starts with an
understanding of human dignity and human rights, which together
provide a blueprint for freedom. To create a free, just and equal
society, he calls for the full education of all girls. Watch
video »
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This series
of portraits spotlights women and girls who have made it in their
respective fields — often in uncharted territories — by overcoming
barriers and beating the odds to reach their goals. Our newcomers
this month:
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Lieutenant
Colonel Wafa Khaled Ayyad Muammar — Leading the force, ending
violence against women her motto
 Today, as head of the Palestinian Civil Police
Family Protection Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Wafa Khaled Ayyad
Muammar is the highest-ranking female officer in the police, in
spite of societal pressure to give up on her dream to serve the
country through her work. Read
more »
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Kurbongul
Kosimova — Creating peace and safety, after the war
 Kurbongul Kosimova established the first long-term
shelter for women violence survivors and their children during
Tajikistan's civil war. Her organization also supports survivors by
forming sustainable self-help groups and training people in
innovative ways to financially support themselves and their
children after the war. Read more
»
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Major
General Kristin Lund — Leading change, paving the way for many
 Major General Kristin Lund of
Norway is the first woman ever to be appointed as Force Commander
in United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, and is currently serving
with the UN Peacekeeping Force in
Cyprus (UNFICYP). A role model for many, she has held several top
leadership posts in a male-dominated profession. Watch
video »
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In
Beijing, we connected, collaborated and united to effect social
change
 Making the international journey
to Beijing in 1995 for the first time, Kathie Bolognese, attended
the Fourth World Conference on Women, the birthplace of the Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action, as part of an industry
delegation. Today, an international strategic communications
specialist, she is a current Board Member of the US National
Committee for UN Women-Metro NY Chapter, an independent NGO that
supports the mission of UN Women for gender equality and women's
empowerment. Read
more »
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