International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence and its devastating consequences. The day serves as a reminder of the need for nations to work together to put an end to all forms of gendered violence. It also highlights the important role that governments, civil society, and individuals play in addressing the causes and consequences of this violence. The focus of the Observance is not only on physical violence but also on other forms of violence against women, such as emotional, economic, and sexual violence.

The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999. The date was chosen in memory of the Mirabal sisters - three political activists in the Dominican Republic who were assassinated in 1960 for their resistance against the dictatorship. In India, violence against women is a deeply entrenched problem, with the prevalence of issues like domestic abuse, acid attacks, and dowry deaths- this is where women are constantly harassed by their husbands and in-laws who are trying to get more money transferred to them upon the marriage. The Observance, therefore, holds great significance for the country as it seeks to address these challenges and create a safer environment for women.

Each year, various government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups in India observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by organizing campaigns, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness and foster discussion on the issue. The Government, too, has introduced legislation and policy measures, such as the Domestic Violence Act of 2005 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013, to tackle the problem. On November 25th, India joins the rest of the world in committing to eradicating violence against women and promoting gender equality and social justice for all.

Facts about violence against women

• The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2025 was For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
  In 2024 the theme was Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls. It underscored the approaching 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, established in 1995 to advance women's rights. The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2023 was Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence
• According to the U.N, it's estimated that 35% of all women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
• November 25th has been recognized as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date honors the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were mere murdered in 1960 by the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo.
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2020, a rape was reported every 15 minutes in India.
• Honor killings, the murder of a family member (usually a woman) for perceived dishonor, remain a problem in some regions of India. These killings are often carried out by male relatives after a woman has disobeyed family, caste, or community norms.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Explore the U.N's informative Guideline to better understand the inequality women face.
• One of the most common forms of violence is intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence can be committed by a former partner or a spouse and can take place in a public or private space. If you or someone you know has been affected, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
• Watch a movie that highlights the issues victims of violence in India face. Some of our recommendations are: India's Daughter (2015), Pink (2016), and Kahaani 2 (2016).
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  Read a book that will provide insights into the various dimensions of violence against women in India, including legal aspects, cultural and societal norms, and historical perspective. Some of the books we recommend to deepen your understanding of the issue are: Sexual Violence and the Law in India by Pratiksha Baxi, Are We All Cultural Hypocrites?: Women, Violence and the Indian Social System by Madhurima Nundy, and India's Daughter: The Story of Violence Against Women in India by Nitasha Devasar.