The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Every year on November 25, organizations worldwide observe the Action for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Moreover, This significant day serves as a potent reminder of the devastating effect violence has on women and girls around the world. But it’s also a day of action – a call to raise awareness and take concrete steps to end this violence for good.

Any act that physically, sexually, psychologically, or financially harms women and girls is considered violence against women. Sexual harassment, inequality, and cultural norms that unjustly marginalize or disempower women are the root causes of abuse against them.
Often, such violence involves abuse of power to dominate, control, or exploit people in private or public settings. Women’s rights are violated by violence, which is recognized globally as an issue that needs immediate attention.

Alarming Statistics

According to the United Nations, around one in three women suffer sexual or physical abuse during their lifetime, frequently at the hands of a close companion. This violence can have devastating consequences, including bodily injury, disability, and even death. It can also trigger mental health issues, such as mental illness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In 1981, women’s rights activists from Latin America declared November 25th as the day to recognize the sisters’ legacy and raise awareness about violence against women. By 1999, the United Nations had formally adopted. The date is officially recognized as the International Day to End Violence Against Women, globally platforming the movement. This official recognition aimed to address gender-based violence by involving governments, civil society, and individuals in working together for a future free from violence against women and girls.

We must bring this issue to light the public’s attention on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It brings together governments, civil society organizations, individuals, and communities worldwide to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and call for action.

How you Can Take part

There are lots of ways you can Take part in the fight to end violence against women.

Here are a few ideas

• Educate yourself and others – Learn more about VAWG and the resources available to survivors.
• Speak out – Don’t be silent about violence against women. If you see or hear something, speak up.
• Support survivors – Believe survivors and let them know they are not alone. Many organizations can provide support and assistance.
• Advocate for change – support for laws and policies that protect women and girls from violence by getting in touch with your elected officials.

The International Day of  Violence Against Women is a call to action, not just a date on the calendar. Ending violence against women isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights problem that affects everyone, calling for action and compassion from all members of society to create a safer, more equitable world for women and girls everywhere.

Organizations like UN Women, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations are working to end violence through policy-making, advocacy, and support for survivors. Working together, we can create a world free of violence and fear for women and girls.

Working together, we can create a world free of violence and fear for women and girls.