Special performances on the Market Square on November 27
Olcay Gulsen heads to Gouda for ‘Orange the World’
Olcay Gulsen is coming to Gouda for the international campaign "Orange the World." The campaign draws attention to the unacceptable violence against women and girls. Olcay Gulsen will speak on Thursday, November 27, on a stage at the Market Square as a special guest of the Gouda campaign.
Olcay Gulsen, entrepreneur and advocate for women's rights, has been committed for years to exposing abuses and giving victims a voice. With her personal involvement in the fight against femicide (the murder of women) and her openness about inequality and sexual violence, she uses her fame to stimulate change.
Silence is not an option
“Violence against women must never be normalized. Silence is not an option; we must keep the conversation going, in every city, on every street, and also on the Markt in Gouda,” said Gulsen.
The municipality of Gouda shares this conviction. Alderman Anna van Popering will open the event on Thursday, November 27, and emphasize the importance of a joint approach. "The tragic events of last summer in Gouda and elsewhere in the country make it clear that violence against women is not something that happens far away. As a municipality, we feel a responsibility to help create a safe environment, both at home and in public spaces. With 'Orange the World', Gouda stands up against violence and we do not leave victims alone."
Singers and dancers from Gouda:
During the special event on the Markt, there will be dance performances by Dansstudio Gouda set to music by Davina Michelle (“I Said No Sir”) and Beyoncé (“Running”). There will also be performances by Vocalgroup Blueprint and several readings, including one by writer and feminist Tessel ten Zweege. The City Hall will be partially illuminated in orange.
During the campaign period from November 25 to December 10, activities will also be organized at other locations in the city by Soroptimists Gouda, Zonta Gouda, VVAO, InnerWheel, and Dolle Mina Gouda, among others. Buildings will be lit up in orange, graffiti texts and orange pumps will appear in the city, and film screenings and performances will take place around the theme of violence against women.
"Orange the World" Gouda 2025 Program
Kickoff Meeting
When: November 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
Where: in front of the Huis van de Stad on Burgemeester Jamessingel;
Activities:
• Opening by Alderman Anna van Popering;
• Illumination of the Huis van de Stad in orange from November 24 through December 7, in the evenings from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM;
• Wim Hertgers tells the story of his daughter Sanne, who was a victim of femicide at the age of 31;
• Raising of the “Orange the World” flag;
• Featuring members of Soroptimist and Zonta Gouda, VVAO, Inner Wheel, and Dolle Mina Gouda, among others.
City Hall EventWhen: November 27 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (lighting from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Where: on the Markt;
Activities:
• Opening remarks by Councilwoman Anna van Popering;
• Presentation by Olcay Gulsen;
• Dance performances by students of Dansstudio Gouda to music by Davina Michelle (“I Said No Sir”) and Beyoncé (“Running”);
• Singing performances by the Gouda vocal group Blueprint;
• Readings by writer and feminist Tessel ten Zweege and a member of Dolle Mina Gouda;
• City Hall partially illuminated in orange during the event;
• Members of Soroptimist and Zonta Gouda, VVAO, Inner Wheel, and Dolle Mina Gouda are in attendance.
Truck Cinema “Femicide”
When: December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.);
Where: Burgemeester Jamesplein, next to the Huis van de Stad and in front of Gouda NS Station;
Activities:
• Screening of the film “Het ligt aan mij” in the “femicide” mobile cinema run by the Open Mind Foundation;
• Discussions with people on the street about this topic led by volunteers from Soroptimist and Zonta Gouda, VVAO, and Inner Wheel;
• Staff from Veilig Thuis will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.
Other activities in the city, initiated by local businesses or organized by Soroptimist, Zonta Gouda, and VVAO/InnerWheel
When: November 25 through December 10;
Where: Various locations throughout the city;
Activities:
• Graffiti reading “Stop Violence Against Women” on the streets in downtown Gouda and near the Bloemendaal shopping center, the train station, and the Huis van de Stad;
• Distribution of posters and beer coasters in Gouda’s hospitality venues (downtown) and flyers and bookmarks at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, the library, Goudse Schouwburg, and Filmhuis Gouda—to raise awareness for “Orange the World” and ending violence against women and girls;
• Orange pumps in shop windows in downtown Gouda and the Bloemendaal shopping center, and suspended from the ceiling in the foyer of Cinema Gouda, as a sign of protest;
• The film ‘Toxic’ will be screened at Filmhuis Gouda on November 26 at 8:00 p.m.;
• The theater performance “Vrouwejaars” will be presented at the Goudse Schouwburg on December 4 at 8:00 p.m.;
• The film “Almanak, Women to Love” will be screened at Cinema Gouda on dates and times to be determined, with an introduction by Dolle Mina Gouda.
