Tuesday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – government buildings to be illuminated in orange

The UN’s international Orange the World campaign to end violence against women begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November. This year, the focus of the campaign is on eradicating digital violence against women and girls.

“Every girl and woman in Finland has the right to feel safe. Preventing violence requires changes in attitudes, structures and legislation,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

International convention gives strength to fight violence

On 25 November 2025, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Finland will publish its new national Action Plan for the Istanbul Convention, which covers the years 2026–2033.  The Istanbul Convention is the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The Council of Europe issued a recommendation on combating digital violence against women in 2021.

Well-known buildings to be illuminated in orange 

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 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 Monday 24 November at 20.00 until Wednesday 26 November at 9.00. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ main building, Merikasarmi, will be illuminated in orange on Tuesday 25 November between 15.00 and 24.00.

Staff at the Government and its ministries will also take part in a candlelight procession to mark the day.