ULAANBANTAR – Illuminating an urban alleyway, the soulful singer-songwriter Chimika performed at UNFPA Mongolia’s very first Orange Session on Wednesday, June 25. The campaign was launched in the capital city with the objective of “taking back public spaces through music” to stop gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence is a huge problem in Mongolia,” explained the Forever Young Crew, who performed to a packed café. “There are no excuses; we must all work towards ending violence against women.”

The session was organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in a new initiative inspired by the United Nations’ UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, which is observed on the 25th of every month by wearing orange. The campaign is especially pertinent in Mongolia, where studies indicate that every other woman experiences gender-based violence in her lifetime.

The launch party featured both famous and emerging young artists who swept away the crowd with their musical talent, demonstrating their commitment to a violence-free Mongolia. Performance recordings will also be available on the campaign website, which features a variety of music videos from global artists.

Orange Sessions welcomes artists and young people from all over the world. Join the movement to end gender-based violence by submitting a song or message on the Orange Sessions website, and by attending Orange Day performances on the 25th of each month.

Stay up-to-date with the campaign and discover new artists by connecting with Orange Sessions on Facebook and YouTube.