Orange the World in Wassenaar: Stop violence against women

From November 25 to December 10, the world turns orange. Wassenaar is also paying close attention to the international Orange the World campaign, which is committed to ending violence against women and girls. This year, the campaign was made particularly visible in the village through two powerful activities.

De Paauw Town Hall turns orange

On November 25, De Paauw Town Hall was lit up in orange and the campaign flag was raised. This symbolic gesture represents safety and awareness, not only in Wassenaar, but worldwide. Mayor Leendert de Lange emphasized the importance of this campaign with a powerful message:

It is an urgent and distressing problem: in the Netherlands, on average, one woman dies every eight days as a result of violence. Throughout the centuries, women around the world have been victims of violence simply because they are women. At home, on the street, at school, at work, or in conflict areas. It affects me because safety should not be a luxury—it is a right. That is why I am here today, not only as mayor, but as a human being, as a man, as a father, and as a husband. Together, we must break the silence and show that enough is enough. Join us and help stop violence against girls and women. Women and girls must feel safe, including in our village. This can only be achieved with the commitment of all of us!

Visit by Alderman Zoutendijk to the Rijnlands Lyceum

On November 26, the Rijnlands Lyceum took center stage in the campaign. Alderman Zoutendijk visited the school to join students, teachers, and Orange the World organizers in raising awareness about the safety of women and girls. The atmosphere was energetic and engaged: the importance of this theme was strongly emphasized, partly due to poignant events such as the recent loss of Lisa.

Students enthusiastically engaged in discussions, creative assignments, and sharing their insights. During the plenary session, Alderman emphasized how valuable it is for everyone to work together to create a safe environment: 

“It’s wonderful to see how committed everyone is and how you engage in conversation together.” The closing moment consisted of a group photo and spraying orange handprints at the school entrances as a powerful symbol against violence.

The raised orange hand, the international symbol of Orange the World, calls out: "Enough is enough!" You may soon see these hands in the village, put up by members of the Soroptimist Club and Zonta, with permission from the municipality.

One message, two activities

Thanks to the efforts of the mayor, the Alderman, students, teachers, and relevant organizations, Wassenaar sent a powerful message: violence against women and girls must stop. The campaign shows that awareness, cooperation, and action are essential for a safe society. Together, we can make a difference—in Wassenaar and beyond.