United Nations: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence

25 November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The date 25 November, chosen to remember the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic brutally murdered in 1960 on the orders of dictator Rafael Trujillo, was officially declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2000, thanks to a General Assembly resolution.

Since the explosion of the #MeToo Movement, created in 2006, global mobilization and demonstrations have highlighted the urgency in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.

The unprecedented momentum was met with the rise of anti-rights movements and anti-feminist groups resulting in a shrinking space for civil society and an increase in attacks against women human rights defenders and activists.

Supporting and investing in women’s rights organizations is key to end violence against women and girls. Thats why the 2022 theme for the International Day for Eliminations of Violence Against Women’s theme is UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls.

The UNiTE campaign, starting the 25 of November and concluding in the 10th December, will aim to mobilize all society to become activists for the prevention of violence against women, to solidarize with women’s rights and to show support for feminist movements around the globe.

Among its activities, there is a UN official event that will take place on Wednesday, November 24 (10.00-11.30am ET.) You can follow the event on line through the UN Women Youtube channel or UN Web TV.