The Town House in Hamilton will be lit up orange for the annual event, which begins on Wednesday 25 November.

A motion agreed by the Council stated:

“The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign takes place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

“The campaign provides an important opportunity for communities, public bodies and organisations to stand together to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.

“The UN Women theme is: For ALL women and girls: Rights. Justice. Action which places a clear responsibility on public authorities to move beyond awareness-raising and take practical action to ensure that women and girls can exercise their rights, access justice and live free from violence.

“In Scotland, the chosen theme is ALL together to prevent and end violence against women and girls. The aim is to emphasise that violence against women and girls is everyone’s business and to promote and celebrate joined up, collaborative working to tackle this issue. The Equally Safe strategy states that: ‘No-one sector, organisation or service can tackle the prevention and eradication of VAWG alone.’

“The All Together theme calls for collective action across communities, sectors, organisations and individuals. Through the respect funding, which is through schools and the learning community.

“Violence against women and girls is a cause and consequence of gender inequality and includes domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, exploitation and other forms of abuse. South Lanarkshire Council's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Partnership recognises the importance of prevention, early intervention, specialist support and effective partnership working.

“Whilst acknowledging the considerable work already undertaken within the Council and through our VAWG Partnership, we recognise there is much more we can do.”

A number of points which the Council will take forward were also agreed.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Mary Donnelly and seconded by Councillor Leigh Payne.

The UN website has more details on the 16 Days of Activism.