International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every year across the world on 25 November. Observance of this day seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end violence against women. It also seeks to show that prevention is possible against violence of women.
The UN theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) under the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign is “Orange the World: #HearMeToo”. It aims to reinforce UNiTE Campaign’s commitment to create world free from violence for all women and girls and reaching out to most marginalized people including migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, minorities and populations affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

Background

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 54/134 passed in December 1999. This day is commemorated in memory of Mirabal sisters who were three political activists from Dominican Republic. They were brutally assassinated during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship (1930-1961) in 1960.
Violence against women
Violence against women is a human rights violation. It is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law. It is also in general practice and persisting inequalities between men and women. It impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, peace and security and combating HIV/AIDS. Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic, but is not inevitable but prevention is possible and essential.