Annually, November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is a worldwide day of recognition intended to raise awareness about the continual issue of violence, women are subjected to. This day was started by the United Nations General Assembly in memory of the Mirabal sisters, Dominican Republic activists, who were tragically killed in 1960 for opposing the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.
Additionally, it initiates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign designed to increase public awareness and inspire international action to put an end to violence against women and girls around the world.
History of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly on 17th December 1999. 25th November was selected to remember the political activism and tragic end of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic in 1960 during the oppressive regime of Rafael Trujillo.
The true inception of this day, however, can be traced back to the grassroots level. At the Feminist Encuentro convened in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1981, activists decreed 25th November as a day for campaigning against and creating awareness on violence perpetrated against women, paying homage to the Mirabal sisters.
The purpose of the day is to make people cognizant of the realities of violence inflicted upon women globally, which include but aren’t limited to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and harassment. It highlights the extent of the problem and how its true nature is often concealed.
In furtherance of this cause, in 2008, UN Women and other United Nations agencies launched the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General’s office. The campaign aims to amplify the issue in public discourse and galvanize policy interventions and resource allocation for preventing and ending violence against women and girls around the globe.
The occasion is marked every year with varying themes centered around diverse aspects of violence against women and girls. This continued momentum has successfully elevated global consciousness about the multifaceted instances of violence and the tireless endeavor to eliminate this widespread issue.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Timeline
Mirabal Sisters
Mirabal sisters were violently assassinated in 1960 for their opposition to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic.
First Recognition
Women activists in Colombia marked November 25 as a day to combat and raise awareness on violence against women more broadly.
Official Designation by UN
The United Nations General Assembly designated 25th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
UN Secretary-General’s Campaign
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the UNITE to End Violence against Women campaign with the aim to raise public awareness.
Sustainable Development Goals
Eliminating violence against women and girls is a specific stand-alone target in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ideas to Celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Attending Webinars
Join or host webinars discussing and increasing awareness about the magnitude of violence against women. Invite experts in the field to share their knowledge and educate listeners about ways to help eradicate violence and uphold women's rights.
Fundraising Event
Organize fundraising events, such as virtual concerts or art auctions, and donate the proceeds to charities or NGOs that help victims of violence, provide them with legal aid, counseling services, and rehabilitative care.
Community Outreach
Initiate community outreach programs to educate people about the rights of women and the need to eliminate violence against them. This could include distributing leaflets, hosting informative sessions or conducting educational plays and skits.
Create Artworks or Murals
Engage with the local arts community to create powerful artworks and murals promoting the day. Such visuals not only raise awareness, but they also engage and inspire the population about the cause on a regular basis.
Documentary Screening
Host screenings of documentaries that highlight the issues of violence against women. This can be followed by discussion sessions, allowing for further deliberation and understanding of the issues presented.
6 Interesting Facts About International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Origin of the Date
The 25th of November was chosen for this day to remember the Mirabal sisters, three Dominican political activists who were brutally assassinated in 1960 during the Trujillo dictatorship.
16 Days of Activism
The day marks the beginning of the '16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence' campaign, which concludes on Human Rights Day on December 10th.
The Color for the Day
People around the world are encouraged to wear orange on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to symbolize a brighter future without violence.
Theme Orientations
Each year, the day is celebrated with a specific theme that highlights different dimensions of the fight against violence against women.
Global Participation
Governments, international organizations and NGOs worldwide are organized to raise the public awareness about violence against women on this day.
UN's UNiTE Campaign
The United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign supports the commemoration and works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women FAQs
Next International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 25th | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 25th | Monday |
| 2025 | November 25th | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 25th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 25th | Thursday |
| What is the pattern? | Every November 25th | |
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Word Search
- Empowerment
- Awareness
- Respect
- Safety
- Prevention
- Support