International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women seeks to raise awareness and promote action towards ending violence faced by women and girls. It focuses on the various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as harmful cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage. The observance also encourages the implementation of policies and programs to prevent and address this violence, and underscores the need for greater international collaboration and support for affected women and girls.

The United Nations General Assembly designated this day in December 1999 in response to the brutal murder of three sisters, Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal, in the Dominican Republic in 1960. In America, studies show that one in four women experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and nearly half of all women and men in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner. To address this pressing issue, numerous organizations and individuals actively work together to raise awareness, implement policies, and provide support to victims.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed through various events, campaigns, and educational activities aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging action from individuals, communities, and institutions. These efforts involve the participation of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders that implement diverse strategies, such as engaging communities, empowering survivors, and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women takes place annually on November 25th.

Facts about violence against women

• The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2023 was Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence

• According to the U.N, it's estimated that 35% of all women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

• November 25th has been recognized as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date honors the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were mere murdered in 1960 by the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo.

• At least 140 countries have passed laws on domestic violence. Over 150 have laws on sexual harassment.