International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a United Nations-recognized day observed on 25th November each year to protest violence against women. Nearly 1 in 3 girls and women experience physical or sexual forms of violence in their lifetime. Women Against Violence day increase awareness and eliminate gender-based violence and abuse against girls and women worldwide.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is recognized by multiple countries around the world. Learn more about the history, significance and theme of this day here.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2023

Violence against women is very common in both domestic and social spheres. Many times, violence may not be physical in nature but would abuse the rights of women. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on 25th November every year to raise awareness about these issues. This day is also observed to unite the world to fight against these issues.

One of the key challenges for almost every country globally is to stop violence against women. The same is demanded through the annual observation of women against violence day. Find some more information about this day here:

History of International Day of Violence Against Women

Since 1981, 25th November has been recognized as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by women's rights activists around the world. The date honours the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic. On this day, three of the four Mirabal sisters are remembered as feminist icons who stood against the cruel and suppressive dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.

On 25th November 1960, the Mirabal sisters were brutally murdered on the order of Rafael Trujillo. The active opposition of the Mirabal Sisters against their country's dictatorship highlights the importance of speaking out against wrong-doing and violence against women. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was founded by the United Nations General Assembly to honor the Mirabal sisters and to hold them as leaders in the feminist movement.

Significance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Less than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek help. Cases of abuse and violence against women remain unreported mainly due to the stigma and shame. Today, persistent abuse against women and girls is one of the most common and devastating human rights violations globally. This marks the urgency of International Day of Violence Against Women as it raises awareness and fights to end violence against women and girls.

It is crucial to eliminate violence against women because:

• It adversely affects a girl's or woman's psychological, sexual, and reproductive health.
• It restricts their access to higher education and employment opportunities.
• It hinders a country's chances of achieving development, equality, peace, and fulfilment of girls and women's human rights.

What is Violence Against Women?

Violence against women and girls includes any form of abuse that is physical, sexual, or psychological, and this includes but is not restricted to -

• Violence by an intimate partner (marital rape, psychological abuse, physical assault, femicide, etc.).
• Violence against underage girls forced into the act of (child marriage, female genital mutilation, child sexual abuse, etc.).
• Human trafficking (slavery or sexual exploitation).
• Sexual harassment and violence (unwanted sexual acts, forced marriage, street harassment, cyber-stalking, etc.)

Timeline of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Women have the right to equality and protection of all human rights, be it economic, social, cultural, political, or any other field. This includes a woman's right to a life without violence, equal law protection, fair employment opportunities, and finally, the right not to be subjected to cruelty, torture, or any other forms of inhuman treatment. International Day for Violence Against Women celebrates women and aims to raise awareness to protect them from all abuse.

To eradicate worldwide violence against women and girls, the General Assembly has taken the following steps:

• On 20th December 1993, it adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through resolution 48/104.
• On 7th February 2000, it adopted resolution 54/134 to invite governments, international organizations, and NGOs to jointly create ventures to raise awareness and eliminate abuse against women.
• On 25th November 2021, the UN launched the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign' 16-days of activism during which iconic buildings and landmarks were painted Orange' to underline the importance of a violence-free future, as the colour orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence.

FAQs on International Day for Violence Against Women

Q1. When is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebrated?

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated annually on 25th November to increase awareness of the different types of violence that women are subject to and eliminate violence against women.

Q2. What is the history behind International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women?

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day commemorates the death of three Mirabal sisters and their fight against injustice. This day was marked by the United Nations General Assembly to remember the sisters and to encourage women to fight against violence.

Q3. Why is International Day for Violence Against Women celebrated?

International Day for Violence Against Women is celebrated to raise awareness and eradicate violence against women and girls worldwide. This day was founded by the United Nations General Assembly.

Q4. How is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebrated?

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated by organizing several public events and iconic buildings and landmarks getting painted 'orange', highlighting the need for a violence-free future.