25th November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

25th November is observed by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day seeks to raise awareness about the violence that women of today face and look for effective ways to reduce the heinous crimes against women.

While people of both genders are vulnerable to violence, women, unfortunately, are particularly prone due to them being perceived as the weaker sex. Also, the years of patriarchy and misogyny ingrained in many societies make things worse for women.

Unfortunately, the statistics also corroborate that women are prone to more violence.

According to the United Nations,

• 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner.
• 1 in 2 women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or family in 2017; while only 1 out of 20 men were killed under similar circumstances.
• 71% of all human trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls, and 3 out of 4 of these women and girls are sexually exploited.
• Only 52% of women married or in a union freely make their own decisions about sexual relations, contraceptive use and health care.

Aren’t these facts appalling?

Clearly, this is one of the most pressing, widespread, and disastrous human rights violations. The detrimental and adverse consequences of violence against women are many. It is a massive hindrance to achieving equality and sustainability and must be eliminated.

Why is it observed on 25th November?

This day is observed on 25th November to pay a tribute to the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s dictator, Rafael Trujillo, whom they opposed.

Theme for International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

The theme for the 2019 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is ‘Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape’.

Like in previous years, this year’s International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism for causes of women that will culminate on 10 December 2019, which is International Human Rights Day.

On this day of elimination of violence against women, we hope and pray that the world becomes a more peaceful place for all women across all nations.