25th of November marks the International day for eliminating violence against women
Although this date has long carried strong symbolism, the United Nations officially declared 25th of November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women only in 1999. It is connected to the Mirabal sisters, political activists who were killed in 1960 for their resistance against the dictatorship. Their story became an inspiration for movements that later raised global awareness of violence against women.
Why did we begin officially observing this day only in 1999? Because the world needed decades to recognize violence against women as a systemic, global issue requiring an official, collective, and outspoken condemnation. For many years, it remained a taboo—hidden behind the walls of homes, swept under the rug, and treated as a private matter. It was only in the 1990s that the international community adopted key documents defining violence against women as a violation of human rights and calling for decisive action.
Today we understand that violence against women is not a single, uniform phenomenon—it is a combination of physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and digital forms of abuse. It occurs in intimate relationships, in workplaces, in public spaces, and online. It includes physical assault, threats, humiliation, stalking, financial control, forced sexual acts, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and many other forms that deprive women of safety, dignity, and freedom.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that every woman has the right to live without fear and humiliation. It is a right we must not take for granted, but one we must protect and strengthen together—every single day.
MKD Association observes important international days by posting about them and organizing events on assigned topics. To read more about other international days follow THIS LINK.
