Orange will not just be the new black as a fad, but as a way for people in workplaces, school or anywhere else to make a loud stance for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The United Nations campaign coincides with White Ribbon Day and the Victorians Against Violence campaign, to run for the next 16 days.

WHGNE executive officer Susie Reid said everyone had a part to play in eliminating violence against women.

“It’s fantastic that they do 16 days of saying no to violence, but we do 365 days,” she said. “Our workplace wearing orange is just one small part of what we do, but it’s important as it can raise awareness of the issue that is family violence.

“We know one in three women and girls will experience violence in their lifetime – this is too high.”

The organisation, launched its “respect and equity” campaign in September, calling on that attitude to be put at the forefront of all parts of life because disrespect was the first step towards violence against women.

WHGNE health promotional officer Caitlyn Hoggan said she was happy to get behind the statewide campaign, wearing the “active” colour of orange.

“This is a cause that is really close to our hearts,” she said. “We want to get people involved in the idea of respect and equity.”

Miss Hoggan called on others in the community to have conversations with friends and family about respect towards women.

Premier Daniel Andrews launched Victoria's 10-year family violence plan on Thursday, saying gender inequality would no longer be tolerated. “This is a gendered crime, a crime that overwhelmingly affects women and girls,” he said.

Central to the ambitious plan - with no timeline specified - is, in the “long term”, no woman or child will be killed in family violence, and repeat offending will be “eliminated”.