The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marked annually on November 25, serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls.
The day highlights the deep and persistent crisis of gender-based violence, which continues to affect millions worldwide.
The commemoration traces its origins to the legacy of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, who were assassinated in 1960 under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.
Their brutal murders transformed them into enduring symbols of the fight against violence and oppression. In recognition of the global significance of this issue, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 25 as the International Day in 2000.
The day also marks the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10.
During this period, organisations, governments, activists, and communities around the world mobilise to raise awareness, push for stronger policies, and support survivors.
Violence against women takes many forms, physical, sexual, psychological, and economic, and remains one of the most widespread human rights violations.
The UN defines it as any gender-based act that inflicts harm, causes suffering, or restricts a woman’s freedom. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
The theme for 2025, “UNiTE to end digital violence against all women and girls,” draws attention to the growing threats facing women in online spaces, including cyberbullying, harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and other forms of digital abuse.
