November 25 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Resolution 54/134). The purpose of this day is to globally raise awareness about the various forms of violence that women endure, including rape and domestic violence. Additionally, it aims to underscore that the true extent and nature of the issue are often concealed.

Over the years, different themes have been designated for this day. In 2014, the UN Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women framed the theme as "Orange your Neighbourhood." In 2018, it was "Orange the World: #HearMeToo," followed by "Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape" in 2019, "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!" in 2020, "Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!" in 2021, "UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls" in 2022, and for 2023, the theme is "UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #No Excuse.".

History and Origins

1. Establishment: The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 1999, in honor of the Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated on November 25, 1960, on orders from the dictator Rafael Trujillo.

2. Purpose: The day aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and severity of violence against women, promote advocacy efforts, and mobilize support to end violence against women and girls globally.

Objectives

1. Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

2. Advocate for Prevention: Advocate for effective policies, legislation, and programs aimed at preventing violence against women, protecting survivors, and ensuring access to justice and support services.

3. Support Survivors: Provide support and solidarity to survivors of violence, including access to shelters, legal aid, counseling, and healthcare services.

4. Promote Gender Equality: Address the root causes of violence against women by promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender norms, and promoting women's empowerment and rights.

Themes and Activities

1. Orange Campaign: The UN Secretary-General’s campaign "Orange the World" invites governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals to participate by wearing orange and organizing events to raise awareness about ending violence against women.

2. Global Advocacy: Governments, NGOs, and activists organize rallies, marches, seminars, workshops, and cultural events to raise awareness, educate communities, and mobilize action to end violence against women.

3. Policy Dialogues: Policy makers, experts, and stakeholders engage in discussions and dialogues to develop and strengthen policies, laws, and strategies to prevent violence, protect survivors, and promote gender equality.

4. Media Campaigns: Media outlets play a crucial role in raising awareness through special features, documentaries, interviews, and social media campaigns that highlight stories of survivors and advocate for change.

5. Community Engagement: Local communities and grassroots organizations organize activities to support survivors, provide information about available services, and challenge attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence.

Global Impact and Significance

1. Human Rights Violation: Violence against women is a serious violation of human rights, impacting millions of women and girls worldwide and perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

2. Health Consequences: Violence against women has profound physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health consequences for survivors, affecting their well-being and quality of life.

3. Economic Impact: Violence against women also has significant economic costs, including lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and social services, affecting families, communities, and national economies.

4. Call to Action: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women calls for urgent action by governments, civil society, and individuals to end impunity for perpetrators, support survivors, and create a world free from violence for all women and girls.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Legal and Policy Reform: Continued advocacy and pressure for legal and policy reforms to criminalize violence against women, strengthen protection mechanisms, and ensure justice for survivors.

2. Ending Stigma and Discrimination: Addressing cultural and social norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women, promoting gender equality, and empowering women and girls to challenge and overcome violence.

3. Global Solidarity: Building global solidarity and partnerships among governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to create a collective response to end violence against women and girls.

Conclusion

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a critical moment to raise awareness, mobilize action, and advocate for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. It calls for a collective commitment to promote gender equality, protect human rights, and create a safe and equitable world where every woman and girl can live free from violence and fear.