Manneken Pis to wear orange in campaign against violence towards women

Manneken Pis will be dressed in orange this Sunday as part of a global "Orange the World" campaign to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Belgian designer Gioia Seghers has created the costume, which has been offered by UN Women and the European Women's Lobby.

The costume will be unveiled on Sunday morning from 10.00. On the previous day, a ceremony is being held at Brussels city hall attended by UN and European Union representatives.

Several Brussels landmarks will be lit up in orange to bring attention to the initiative, including the Berlaymont, European Parliament, EEAS building, King Baudouin stadium and Brussels city hall.

In Belgium, one in seven women report being subject to violence by a partner or ex. In the EU as a whole, 55% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment and one in 10 has experienced some form of sexual violence.

"Women and girls everywhere are experiencing extensive abuse and their stories need to be brought to light," the campaign's organisers said.