Vietnam Airlines launches orange flights to raise awareness of violence against women
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Author: Doan Khanh Linh
Ha Noi, Viet Nam — Vietnam Airlines adopted an orange theme on two of its flights to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in a first collaboration between the national airline and UN Women Viet Nam.
“Viet Nam Airlines is proud to support UN Women in the ‘Orange the Sky’ initiative,” said Tran Chi Dung, vice chair of the organization and human resources. “We commit to violence against women prevention and response, and we look forward to next year’s 16 Days of Activism campaigns, where we will play an active part.”
Flight attendants wore orange sashes and handed out orange flower pins and leaflets as part of the “Orange the Sky” campaign on 25 November, to encourage people to speak up and take action to end the serious violation of human rights.
“Not very often can I learn about something meaningful like this,” said Nguyen Hien, 52, a passenger of the “orange" flight VN209 from Ha Noi capital to Ho Chi Minh City. He added he felt “lucky and excited” to receive his pin and learned things to end violence against women and children through a leaflet placed in the seat pocket.
The captains on the two flights explained the initiative during their announcements. “When we talk about safety, we hope that you also talk about ensuring safety for all women and children, for them to live a life free of violence and have an opportunity to realize their dream and potential.”
The Orange the sky" campaign received huge public attention with thousands of likes, shares and comments on social media and more than 10 news articles.
A stand about the “Orange the sky" initiative was placed at Noi Bai International Airport on 25 November 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Vietnam Airlines
The other orange-themed flight took off from Ha Noi to Singapore on the same day. Taking place 30,000 feet in the air, the event kicked off UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism campaign and the National Action Month for gender equality and the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in Viet Nam.
The “Orange the Sky” initiative is a demonstration of the belief that preventing violence against women requires partnership, ambition and innovation from stakeholders across a wide range of sectors.
“I will bring this flower pin and leaflet back home to my son, so he can learn to be a good and respectful man to the women around him,” passenger Hien said.