FAWCO/FAUSA Members “Orange the World” for the 16 Days Campaign
No one observes the 16 Days Campaign quite like Maggie Palu. This year, Maggie urged members of her French conversation group, English conversation group, the Montpellier Ceilidh Dancers, the Montpellier Scottish dance group AND the AWG Languedoc-Roussillon Book Group to wear orange and serve orange treats. These actions prompted questions, allowing Maggie to raise awareness on the Campaign and GBV. Members of AWG-LR also gathered for an “orange” fundraiser for a project in Thailand where an AWG-LR member recently volunteered as a teacher and will be returning in January. Further, the AWG-LR Writers' Bloc Oranged the World by writing on the theme "To Eat or Not to Eat," which they are planning to make into a booklet, "Food for Thought,” which Maggie hopes to have available in time for the FAWCO conference.
In support of this year's 16 Days Campaign, on December 15th, the American Women’s Organization of Greece (AWOG) organized a three-hour KRAV Maga women's self-defense workshop event called "STAY AWAY", by professional trainer, Michalis Kafetzis. The event was open to women of all ages in the Athens area—both AWOG members and others. All who attended enjoyed this highly informative hands-on workshop that will help them take measures to stay safe.
FAUSA Houston observed the Campaign in several ways. Members raised awareness by watching “Miss Representation” at the home of member Johanna Dishongh. The group found the film’s statistics on the lack of positive female representation in politics, management, and the media and the relationship between the media’s sexual objectification of women and the lack of public trust in women’s abilities and intelligence, both alarming and depressing. However, the viewing led to a discussion about healthy ways members can raise their daughters – and sons—in response. The group strongly encourages everyone, particularly those with young children, to watch the film.
After raising their awareness, FAUSA Houston also took direct action. A significant element in preventing GBV is empowering girls and nurturing their self-esteem and confidence. Girls on the Run, a national non-profit, teaches girls in third to eighth grade to activate their potential and pursue their goals through an experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. FAUSA President Therese Hartwell was instrumental in starting a Girls on the Run chapter in Houston many years ago. During the 16 Days Campaign, FAUSA Houston donated six pairs of athletic shoes to GOTR Houston, as roughly 70% of girls in the program have no shoes that fit.
December 10 was International Human Rights Day, the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the last day of the 16-Days Campaign. FAUSA member and former FAWCO UN Liaison, Pam Perraud, initiated a Proclamation at Houston City Hall at which Mayor Sylvester Turner declared the day "Say No to Violence Against Women Day”. City Hall and every bridge over I-59 was lit orange, symbolizing a brighter future and a world free from violence against women and girls.
AWC Amsterdam has plans to watch Miss Representation on March 8 in observation of International Women’s Day. The club has invited its members to bring their sons and daughters to the viewing.
If you or your group observed the 16 Days Campaign, please send a brief write-up and photos to .