International Day on Violence against Women

Held on 25th November every year

The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed on November 25 each year. The General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999 and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. The date 25th is not just a date as it was on November 25, 1960, that three sisters, Patria Mercedes Mirabal, María Argentina Minerva Mirabal and Antonia María Teresa Mirabal, were assassinated in the Dominican Republic on the orders of the Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo. The Mirabel sisters fought hard to end Trujillo's dictatorship. Activists on women's rights have observed a day against violence on the anniversary of the deaths of these three women since 1981.

Each year observances around the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women concentrate on a particular theme, such as “Demanding Implementation, Challenging Obstacles” (2008). It is an occasion for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. Projects to enable women and their children to escape violence and campaigns to educate people about the consequences of violence against women are held. Locally, women's groups may organize rallies, communal meals, fund-raising activities and present research on violence against women in their own communities.

Holiday Status - It is not a holiday

Alternate Name - International Day Against Violence Against Women, United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women