Soroptimist International Salisbury is once again supporting Orange the World, the United Nations annual campaign to end violence against women and girls. Through local projects and regional campaigning, we are bringing this important message into our community and encouraging people to play their part in creating a future free from violence.
Planting the seeds of change
Working with Salisbury City Council’s Parks Department, we are developing a display of orange tulips in a prominent flower bed in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens. The bulbs will be planted on the afternoon of Saturday 28 November, during the 16 Days of Activism, with the flowers providing a bright reminder of the campaign in spring. We are grateful to Farmer Gracy, In-Excess and Gee Tee Bulbs for offering to support the project with hundreds of orange tulip bulbs.
Stitching together our message
Local craft groups are getting involved by making knitted and crocheted Orange the World postbox toppers. These colourful creations will catch the public’s attention, spark conversations and spread awareness of violence against women and girls in everyday settings around the post boxes in the city centre.
Engaging the next generation
We are delighted to be collaborating once again with students from the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Pre-Degree) at Wiltshire College on our Orange the World campaign. The project begins with students exploring the feminist issues that matter most to them. They then translate their ideas into powerful visual statements, creating individual orange banners alongside larger, more complex collaborative pieces.
Their work has been inspired by a range of issues, including the murder of Sarah Everard and the public response it prompted; the ‘pink tax’, where products marketed to women can cost more than comparable alternatives; the harmful impacts of online pornography; the lower value often placed on subjects traditionally studied by girls; and the ways women’s biological differences can be overlooked.
Through art and creative expression, these talented young people are helping to bring important issues into public view, challenge assumptions and encourage conversations about gender equality and women’s safety. Their work reminds us that raising awareness and challenging attitudes are vital steps towards a world where violence and abuse against women and girls are never ignored or accepted.
Campaigning for safer rail travel
Women’s safety on public transport is another important issue. On Saturday 5 December 2026, Soroptimists from across Southern England plan to travel by train to Winchester as part of a regional campaign during the 16 Days of Activism. Members will share information during their journeys and meet at Winchester’s Christmas Market, where an orange-decorated Soroptimist stall will raise awareness of violence against women and girls and highlight the importance of safer rail travel. SI Salisbury members are invited to take part, with trains departing Salisbury at 10.33am and 10.47am. To find out more, contact [email protected]
Fresh Thoughts: practical support for women experiencing domestic abuse
On 25 November, the first day of the 16 Days of Activism, Swindon Soroptimists will launch Fresh Thoughts, a Swindon version of this vital booklet developed in collaboration with SI Salisbury. Designed to support women experiencing domestic abuse as they navigate the justice system, Fresh Thoughts brings together clear, practical information about court processes, online safety, housing and organisations that can offer help. It is a valuable resource for frontline professionals and support workers helping women take steps towards safety. The launch at the Village Hotel, Swindon, marks an important opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse and strengthen the network of support available to women across Wiltshire. Find out more about Fresh Thoughts or the Wiltshire booklet on the SI Salisbury website.
Orange the World — a message for every day
From flowers and handmade creations to working with students and campaigning for safer journeys, SI Salisbury is finding practical ways to bring this global campaign into local life.
Ending violence against women and girls requires action all year round. By working together, raising awareness and encouraging conversations, we can all help create safer communities where women and girls can live free from fear and abuse.