International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, established by the United Nations in 1999. Opening the 16 days of activism to address gender-based violence, it urges everyone to protect women all over the world.
We cannot be silent if we want to uphold human rights worldwide. Join the cause by participating in this campaign.
Key Info: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
- When is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
Occurs annually on the 25th of November - This Year (2026):
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 -
Future Dates
- Thursday, November 25, 2027
- Saturday, November 25, 2028
- Sunday, November 25, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups worldwide
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Gender-Based Violence Prevention
- Hashtags: #orangetheworld #16days #endviolenceagainstwomen #GenerationEquality #EndVAW
Quick links: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Why the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Matters
This day looks out for women and girls who suffer from physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. Victims face fear of retaliation and barriers to justice. Marginalized women even encounter additional risks, emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach. But the most horrendous act of all is the intentional killing.
Ending gender-based violence is interconnected with our goal of equality, development, and peace. This annual observance reminds us to strengthen our coordination and commitment. Whether through increased funding, greater political will, or widespread awareness, we can all contribute to protecting all women and girls worldwide.
Data and Statistics
Not including sexual harassment, one in three women aged 15 and older experienced sexual violence at least once in their lives, usually perpetrated by an intimate partner.
In 2023 alone, the United Nations reported that every day, an average of 140 women and girls are killed by a partner or family member.
In 2015, the United Nations reported that less than 40% of women who experience violence reach out for assistance and only about 10% of those contact law enforcement.
Examples of Violence Against Women
- Domestic Violence includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. In many cases, it is a pattern of behavior aimed at establishing power and control over the victim.
- Sexual Violence includes rape, sexual assault, and other forms of coerced sexual activity. It can occur in various contexts, including intimate relationships, public spaces, and during conflict or war.
- Women and girls make up the vast majority of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation, which includes forced prostitution, sex trafficking, and other forms of sexual slavery.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This act results in severe physical and psychological harm.
- Honor Killings are murders of women by family members on the grounds of preserving family 'honor.' This form of violence often comes with accusations of adultery, refusal of an arranged or forced marriage, or even being a victim of rape.
Brief Timeline of IDEVAW and Related Events
The murder of the Mirabal sisters (political activists) in the Dominican Republic marked the start of the movement to eliminate violence against women.
The Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentros marked November 25 as a day to combat and raise awareness of violence against women.
The White Ribbon Campaign started in Canada, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which ended on December 10 (Human Rights Day).
The UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration on Eliminating Violence Against Women.
President Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act into law. This was the first federal legislation recognizing domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes.
The UN General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women through A/RES/54/134.
UN Women launched the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign.
The UN launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which explicitly targets ending violence against women.
The United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group formed the Violence Against Women Estimation and Data (VAW-IAWGED) to improve monitoring and reporting globally.
IDEVAW Themes and Hashtags
| November 25, 2020 | Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence Against Women |
| November 25, 2021 | Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now! |
| November 25, 2022 | UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls! |
| November 25, 2023 | UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls |
| November 25, 2024 | Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence Against Women |
- #EndViolenceAgainstWomen
- #OrangeTheWorld
- #HearMeToo
- #16Days
- #NoMore
Conclusion
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women urges us to erase violence against women, considering it as human rights abuse rather than just a private dispute between partners or families.
Besides raising awareness, we must challenge harmful stereotypes and support local and international organizations that combat this violence. Advocate for policy changes and fight for women's rights online and offline.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This global 16-day campaign, starting every November 25, aims to raise awareness and take action against violence targeting women.
This occasion shows the effects of violence against women and advocates for its eradication.
These forms of violence include physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as harmful traditional practices.
We must speak out against violence, support victims, and advocate for policy changes.
It helps challenge harmful stereotypes, promote gender equality, and empower individuals to build a world free of violence.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
