New York, 25 November 2022 (TDI): Every year on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed.
It is a day to honor the Mirabal sisters, two Dominican Republic activists who were killed in 1960 on former President Rafael Trujillo’s instruction.
16 days Initiative
The United Nations (UN) aims to increase public awareness of violence against women based on their gender. The campaign this year is a 16-day initiative that begins today and ends on December 10th, International Human Rights Day.
Theme
“UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” is the theme of this year. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said, “On Friday’s International Day to End Violence Against Women, I call on governments to increase funding by 50% by 2026 to women’s rights organizations & movements.”
Significance
According to the UN, one of the most severe abuses of human rights in the world today is violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Also, it is mostly ignored because of the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame attached to it. Moreover, to educate people about gender-based violence, this day is observed.
Read more: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women- 2021
In addition, awareness is being raised concerning the physical, sexual, and psychological aspects of gender-based violence.
In this regard, the UN wants to increase public awareness of the harmful effects VAWG has on women of all ages.
History
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979. In this regard, November 25 has been observed as a day to stand against gender-based violence since 1981.
On December 20, 1993, the General Assembly passed resolution 48/104. This included a Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women.
