‘Orange the World’ is a global campaign that runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
Led by the United Nation’s Women’s Organisation, the promotion aims to raise awareness of gender inequality and gender-based violence through fundraising, events, speeches, and social media posts.
The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, and the promise of a world free from gender violence and inequality.
The Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturism Office (EDII), in Mary Immaculate College held an event in honour of the world famous promotion.
Kathleen Maher, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager with EDII, stated that the second event of its kind in Mary Immaculate College, was a success.
“The coming together of 16 higher level institutions across the country is a powerful statement of support to end violence against women.
“Mary Immaculate College is a proud partner in this campaign, which focuses on supports available at high education institutions, and reinforces a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence.”
Speaking at the event was Fariha Mumtaz, a Mary Immaculate College student from Northern Afghanistan.
Describing her difficulties in crossing the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, Fariha is now undertaking her master’s degree in Limerick, after arriving in Ireland two months ago.
“How I came here, it was very challenging at first. I want to be a voice for the women of Afghanistan, they don’t have the freedom of speech. Their basic rights are completely ignored.”
Since arriving in Ireland, Fariha has been extensively involved with the EDII office, who she cites as having been of utmost support to her in this time.
“I have participated in many events with EDII office, this group is really helpful and supportive. It takes time to be completely fixed and used to the new things, and new experiences.”
After her right to education was taken away, following the Tabliban regaining power in the country, Fariha made the dangerous journey of crossing the border to safety.
As women in Afghanistan are unable to pass through borders without a male chaperone, an elderly man posed as a relative so she could be granted access.
Fariha’s desire for education was the driving force behind her brave decisions.
“I think, it is everyone’s dream to get their higher education in a country with a standard system.
“It is very important to have these opportunities, because we have a very bad experience in our own country. We cannot stop, we must continue, we must not give up. We can bring change.”
Upon reaching Pakistan, Fariha was able to collect her visa, and from there, she came to Limerick, where she received a scholarship to resume her education.
To this day, she remains in contact with friends and relatives who remain in Afghanistan.
“I am talking with my family and I have some friends there. I have a good network there. Everyone of them are doing their best to do something for the girls in Afghanistan.”
Dr Lylian Fotabong is the Race, Equality and Sanctuary Manager with the EDII.
She became acquainted with Fariha shortly after her arrival in Limerick. She cites her journalism background as part of why she felt so passionately about Fariha’s inspiring story.
After meeting with Fariha for the first time, Lylian admits, “I found her an extremely extraordinary human being. Sitting, and just talking effortlessly. Her passion was undeniable.”
After this, the EDII office invited Fariha to speak at their lunchtime event for Orange the World.
Here, she gave a powerful speech that showed the bleak reality of women’s rights in Afghanistan to the Irish community.
Praising the awareness Fariha is bringing to gender discrimination, Lylian reminds us; “this is reality, 2.2 million girls aren’t allowed to go above fifth grade education.
“There is complete erasure of women in Afghanistan. I think it’s gone past the time of a law. We must now implement human rights laws of the world.”
Lylian concludes with a simple wish for the future; that women, across the globe, will be heard in times of need.
“It was just phenomenal, the engagement has been incredible. But I think now we should stop giving lip service. Gender based violence is spreading, and we have to put a stop to it.”