The worldwide campaign “Orange the World” draws attention to violence against women from 25 November to 10 December. Launched in 1991 as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence,” it has been carried out globally since 2008 by UN Women within the framework of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. The color orange symbolizes hope, visibility, and the courage to no longer look away.
At the Wittem Monastery, the campaign is being made visibly present this year. A central element is an artistic project depicting the transformation of a woman. Artists from the region were invited to submit concepts, and the work of photographer Maartje Ansems was selected.
The three-part work shows:
First image: A woman in darkness, trapped within herself, symbolized by threads.
Second image: The woman opens up, looking around, surrounded by natural motifs symbolizing healing.
Third image: The woman is transformed and has blossomed. Visitors can add threads themselves to collectively symbolize positive energy.
The exhibition will be on display at Wittem Monastery until 10 December. It is accompanied by conversations and moments of exchange on the topic of violence against women. According to cultural coach Judith Boesen, the situation for women has not improved in recent years. Social media and certain influencers may reinforce problematic gender roles that particularly affect young men.
Other locations within the Province of St. Clemens are offering their own activities during Advent: At the Clemenspoort in Ghent, the Zondagsviering, a communal Eucharistic celebration, will take place on 7 December. At the Youth Monastery in Kirchhellen, the Sternsinger will go from house to house in January 2026, singing and collecting donations. At the Redemptorist Monastery Josefshöhe in Bonn, regular church services and pastoral programs are offered.
During Advent, these sites aim to foster encounter, community, and solidarity, while also raising awareness of social issues such as violence against women.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
