International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as “Ending Violence Against Women’s Day,” is a global event observed every year on November 25. It serves as a poignant reminder of the violence faced by women worldwide and the urgent need to address this crisis. Primarily, the day calls for action to eliminate gender-based violence and highlights the importance of creating a world where women and girls can live free from violence.
The Global Crisis of Gender-Based Violence
In 2023, violence against women reached a horrifying climax, with at least 51,100 women murdered by their relatives and spouses. This meant that one woman was killed every ten minutes.
Violence Against Women and Girls: An Ongoing Challenge
Despite global awareness, violence against women and girls goes largely underreported due to the stigma, silence, and lawlessness that surrounds it. According to the UN, this violence remains a major obstacle to attaining equality, peace, and progress. The Day, therefore, serves as a reminder that eliminating violence against women and girls is crucial to ensuring that no one falls behind in the pursuit of a just and equal world.
Read more: Rubab’s Character Urges Young Women to Be Financially Independent
The Role of “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”
The first Women’s Global Leadership Institute which was organised in 1991, officially recognised International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. During the event, activists launched the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. This campaign begins on November 25 and continues until December 10, which is Human Rights Day. These 16 days represent the relationship between gender-based violence and human rights, to encourage individuals and organisations to take action and fight towards a future where women and girls are protected from harm.
The Mirabal Sisters: Symbols of Resistance
Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal, known as Las Mariposas (The Butterflies), were heroic activists in the Dominican Republic who campaigned against the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the 1950s and 60s. On November 25, 1960, they were assassinated for their opposition to the regime, making them martyrs for human rights and women’s liberation. In recognition of their sacrifice, the United Nations declared November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, keeping their legacy as symbols in the struggle against gender-based violence alive.
The UN established the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2000, emphasising the significance of global efforts to address this epidemic. While great progress has been made, much more work has to be done to build a world in which violence against women is no longer allowed. The Mirabal sisters’ legacy, as well as the ongoing work of individuals and organisations around the world, remind us that eliminating gender-based violence is critical to ensuring equality, peace, and human rights for all women and girls.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates