Monday 25 November marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – government buildings to be illuminated as part of campaign

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, as designated by the United Nations (UN). Violence against women is also a significant problem in Finland, and solving this problem is everyone’s responsibility. The Government Palace and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in orange as part of the international campaign.

Violence against women takes a variety of forms: physical, sexual, psychological, economic and digital violence. In Finland, a total of 34 per cent of women and 18 per cent of men have experienced violence from their current or former partner. Of women and men over 15 years of age, 34 per cent and 8 per cent respectively have experienced sexual violence from someone other than their partner. Online violence is a growing form of violence. 

The Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government includes a number of measures that aim to combat violence. Funding for shelters for victims of domestic violence has already been increased. As a rule, the aim is to discontinue mediation in cases involving domestic or family violence from the beginning of 2025. The Government Programme also aims to improve the ability of different authorities, municipalities and wellbeing services counties to prevent, identify and intervene in violence, and to step up measures to combat honour-related violence. In addition, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, knows as the Istanbul Convention, and the related national Action Plan oblige the States Parties to combat violence in a comprehensive manner and based on knowledge. 

Well-known buildings to be illuminated in orange 

The United Nations has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day begins an annual international campaign called 16 Days of Activism, which draws attention to this important human rights violation. During the day, well-known buildings around the world will be illuminated in orange – the colour chosen to symbolise the day. 

The Government Palace will be illuminated in orange from Sunday 24 November at 20.00 until Tuesday 26 November at 9.00. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in orange on Monday 25 November between 15.00 and 24.00.

Inquiries: 
Tiina-Kaisa Laakso-Liukkonen, Chief Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 220
Katri Viinikka, Ambassador, gender equality issues, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 276 (issues related to the international campaign)
Minna Viuhko, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 470 (issues related to violence against women)
Email addresses are in the format [email protected]