International Day for Violence Against Women is a day when we promote global awareness of the prevalence of rape, domestic violence, and other types of violence against women in domestic and social spheres, and demand an end to it. The General Assembly of the United Nations established November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999. This day was chosen to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 at Rafael Trujillo’s behest (1930-1961).
It is a day to call attention to the reality that women are subject to rape, domestic abuse, and other types of violence throughout the world, on an everyday basis. A significant aspect of this day is to emphasize that the scope and genuine extent of the issue are frequently concealed, as we have regrettably witnessed in recent weeks through multiple news reports. Women also don’t seem to get enough help if they’re victims of violence.
Eliminating violence against women is vital because:
- Girls’ and women’s psychological, sexual, and reproductive health are negatively impacted.
- It limits their access to possibilities for higher education and jobs.
- It lessens a nation’s chances of achieving progress, equality, peace, and the accomplishment of the human rights of women and girls.
Violence against women is an example of how men and women are not treated equally. To combat gender-based violence, we must not only support survivors and those at high risk but also confront gender disparities in order to prevent violence. This demands collaboration and a unified stance against gender inequity and gender-based violence.
It is a sad and shameful fact that violence against women remains largely unreported, as there is a lot of stigma surrounding it. It continues to be a huge impediment to the achievement of equality, development, harmony and peace; and it stands in the way of the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights.
Facts on Violence Against Women
In the past 3 years…
- 45% of women reported that they, or a woman known to them, have experienced a form of violence against women and girls.
- 7 in 10 women said that, in their opinion, verbal or physical abuse by a partner has become more common
- 6 in 10 women felt that sexual harassment in public spaces has worsened.
Source: UN Women (2021)
Colors and Their Meaning
On this day, the color orange is used on logos and campaign branding. It spells hope and represents a brighter tomorrow, free from violence against women and girls.
It tells women and girls that they are not alone. If you have ever felt threatened or unsafe, there’s a whole world of help out there. All you need to do is to reach out!
2022 Theme: UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th) marks the launch of the UNiTE campaign— an initiative of 16 days of activism that concludes on International Human Rights Day (December 10th).
MWT Global Academy stands strong in its support of the UNITE! The campaign aims to end violence against women and girls. We are in solidarity with women’s rights activists and support feminist movements around the world, to work towards a world free from violence against women and girls.