The reason why Sunderland landmarks have been lit up orange

The idea comes from volunteer group, the Sunderland Soroptimists, the local branch of Soroptimist International – a worldwide volunteer service organisation for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls.

The group, led by president Kathleen Tuddenham, approached Sunderland City Council to see if landmarks across Wearside could shine orange to help raise awareness of the plight of women experiencing all forms of violence.

The effort is part of a global campaign called Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape, the theme of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on November 25.

The colour orange symbolises a brighter future, free of violence.

The landmarks include Keel Square, the Northern Spire Bridge, Cliffe Park, Penshaw Monument, which will be lit up for 16 days, from November 25, until December 10, marking International Human Rights Day.

Pat Howe, membership officer for the Sunderland Soroptimists, said: “Our group aims to transform the lives of women and girls through empowerment and education.

“I think this campaign is a great thing to be doing as there is still a lot of silence and stigma around the subject of violence against women.

“We have had terrific support from Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, Sunderland Youth Council and Victims First.”

Sunderland Youth Council members are aged 11 to 19 and represent the voices of young people in the city.

They are supported by Together For Children, which delivers children’s services on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

The Sunderland Youth Council supported the volunteer group with a stall in The Bridges shopping centre on the first day of the campaign, November 25, where they handed out leaflets and orange ribbons to highlight the cause.

Jill Colbert, chief executive of Together for Children said: “I applaud the world of the soroptimists to highlight this important cause.

“We know that domestic violence, family conflict and alcohol substance abuse are major factors in child protection causes.”