International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women
25 November

The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an occasion for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. It has been observed on November 25 each year since 2000.

On November 25, 1960, three sisters, Patria Mercedes Mirabal, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal, were assassinated in the Dominican Republic on the orders of the Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo. The Mirabel sisters fought hard to end Trujillo's dictatorship. Activists on women's rights have observed a day against violence on the anniversary of the deaths of these three women since 1981.

On December 17, 1999, November 25 was designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the UN General Assembly. Each year observances around the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women concentrate on a particular theme, such as “Demanding Implementation, Challenging Obstacles” (2008).

Why This International Day?

·         Violence against women is a human rights violation

·         Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women

·         Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security

·         Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential

·         Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. Up to 70 per cent of women 
experience violence in their lifetime.

November 25 also marks the beginning of a 16-day period of activism against Gender Violence, which is an international campaign in effect since 1991 under different themes. This year’s theme is ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World’.

The campaign was initiated by a group of 23 women activists from around the world after their graduation from the Global Leadership Institute at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Today, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign is celebrated widely. Over 4,100 organisations in approximately 172 countries have participated in the 16 Days Campaign which ends on December 10, which is Human Rights Day.