Isa Woldeguiorguis, will be the guest speaker at the “international Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls” event at NECC.

Northern Essex Community College in collaboration with the City of Lawrence, the Lawrence Police Department, the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, and Delamano, a Lawrence nonprofit committed to domestic violence intervention, will host “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls,” on Thursday, Dec. 6, with guest speaker Isa Woldeguiorguis.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Allied Heatlh & Technology Center, 414 Common St., Lawrence.

Woldeguiorguis is the executive director of The Center for Hope and Healing, Inc.  (CHH). CHH has served victims of rape and sexual assault, provided education and awareness raising to eradicate sexual violence in the greater Lowell area for 40 years.  Prior to this, she worked in the antiviolence field for 25 years, holding several statewide and national roles in the movement to end sexual and domestic violence. Woldeguiorguis is a well-respected leader and national trainer in the field.

Individuals who work directly with survivors of domestic violence are encouraged to attend this event.

This event is part of a national campaign launched by UNiTE to End Violence against Women. The theme this year is “Orange the World: #HearMeToo. Local, national, regional, and global events are being held to focus on global women’s movements, survivor advocates and women human rights defenders, and opportunities for dialogue between activists, policy-makers, and the public.

As in previous years, the color orange will be a key theme unifying all activities, with buildings and landmarks lit and decorated in orange to bring global attention to the initiative.

For additional information, contact Analuz Garcia, assistant director of

NECC’s community & international relations agarcia@necc.mass.edu or call 978-738-7423.