Orange the World – Orange our University
Violence against women (and minorities) is omnipresent, firmly anchored in our patriarchal structures, and is one of the most widespread human rights violations. In order to increase the visibility of the numerous initiatives of the United Nations and other organisations in relation to this topic, the UN campaign ‘Orange the World’ (OTW) introduced a uniform, strong subject colour. In keeping with its mission as an educational institution with social responsibility, the Mozarteum University is also taking part in ‘Orange the World’ during the ‘16 days against gender-based violence’ (25 November - 10 December).
One in three women worldwide is affected by some form of gender-based violence during her lifetime. This can be physical, sexual and/or psychological and affects women of all ages, social classes and cultures. For decades, the United Nations and many other national and international organisations have been working to raise awareness of this issue and take long-term measures to combat gender-based violence.
During the campaign period between 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls) and 10 December (International Human Rights Day), buildings around the world are being illuminated in orange, websites and logos colour-coordinated, and various events and recommendations to ‘go orange’ being used to actively send a message and take action against violence against women.
Show your true colours and fly the flag
Particularly in view of the fact that the arts are capable of lending an even greater degree of emotional immediacy, it is the aim of various (informational) offerings not only to contribute to greater awareness and sensitivity to the issue outside the university, but - more importantly - to encourage all encourage members themselves to get involved in sustained artistic debate.
With this in mind, students from the Department of Fine Arts and Design have designed a flag that will be raised in front of the main building at 1 p.m. on 26 November 2025 under the motto ‘Show your true colours!’. It will send a clear signal against gender-based violence, as will the lighting of the foyer in the main building and the colour change to the university website, which will be implemented by the relevant departments.
The Institute for Equality & Gender Studies ´has prepared the following offerings, which deepen the substantive discussion of the topic:
- Information posters with facts and figures on violence against women and numerous ideas for taking action in the spirit of orange.
ORANGE THE WORLD 2025 - Online-talk: “Who Gets to Feel Safe? Who Gets to Speak Up?”
- Reading with discussion: "Candy Girls. Sexism in the music industry" (in German).
