International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
A UN day opening the "16 Days of Activism" campaign against gender-based violence, commemorating the Mirabal sisters, assassinated in 1960.
Date25 November
TopicHuman Rights & Equality
Established1999
Ways to observe this day
- Find a local helpline for domestic violence survivors
- Share information about the 16 Days of Activism campaign
- Wear orange in support of survivors of violence against women
- Learn how to safely support a survivor of violence
The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134 in 1999, designating November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The date commemorates the Mirabal sisters — Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa — political activists assassinated by the regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic in 1960, who became symbols of resistance against tyranny and violence.
Latin American and Caribbean feminist activists had marked this date since 1981, two decades before it gained official UN recognition. The day highlights that violence against women — from rape and domestic abuse to trafficking and harmful practices — remains widespread and often hidden by silence, stigma, and impunity.
The day launches the "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" campaign, running until December 10, Human Rights Day. Governments and civil society organizations worldwide participate by lighting landmarks orange, running awareness campaigns, and calling for stronger legislation protecting women and girls.
