International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every year on 25 November. | Image Source: https://ec.europa.eu/
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every year on 25 November. This is generally 16 days of activities, which starts from 25 November and ends on 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The goal is to eliminate violence against women. By doing so, we hope to raise voices, work together for the common cause, and eliminate society’s deep-seated evil.
Theme of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2021
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day (10 December). This year theme of the day is “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” For 2018, the official theme was “Orange the World: #HearMeToo“, for 2019 it is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape” and for 2020 it is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”
In 2021, the UN initiated the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women by 2030. UN Women manage the campaign. It is a multi-year effort to end violence against women and girls worldwide by 2030.
History of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Women’s rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).
The Mirabal sisters were three sisters. They were named Maria Teresa, Minerva, and Patria. In the Dominican Republic, they resisted Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship. In secret, they worked against that violent regime. As a result, on 25 November 1960, three sisters were brutally beaten and assassinated. As icons of feminism, the sisters rose to fame.
On 20 December 1993, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through resolution 48/104. This resolution paved the path towards eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide.
Finally, on 7 February 2000, the General Assembly adopts resolution 54/134, officially designating 25 November as the international day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and in doing so, inviting governments, international organizations as well as NGOs to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue every year on that date.
Statement by Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous,
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here at the UN, and across the world, we are celebrating those who are working to protect women and girls and defend their human rights. And we welcome new partners — governments, organizations, institutions, community groups, people everywhere — to join us, raise your voices and work together to transform lives, not only during the 16 Days of Activism, but every day.
Quick facts about gender discrimination
- 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often by an intimate partner.
- One hundred thirty-seven women are killed by a member of their family every day.
- Fewer than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seek help of any sort.
- More than 70 per cent of women have been victims of gender-based violence in some crisis settings. And in countries, both rich and poor, gender prejudice has fuelled acts of violence toward women and girls.