First International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

What Happened?

On November 25, 2000, the United Nations officially observed the first International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—a moment that turned years of regional activism into a worldwide call for justice. The date was chosen to honor the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—three brave women from the Dominican Republic who were murdered in 1960 for resisting the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Their story became a symbol of courage across Latin America, where women’s organizations had already been marking November 25 as a day of remembrance and resistance since 1981.

The UN’s recognition of the day wasn’t sudden. Activists and organizations like UNIFEM had worked for decades to show the world that violence against women is not a private issue—it is a global human rights crisis. In 1993, the UN took a major step by passing the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, defining gender-based violence clearly and publicly for the first time. In 2000, the world’s nations finally agreed to treat November 25 as a day of international awareness and action.

Violence against women takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, economic—and affects women of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Research throughout the 1990s showed the scale of the problem: at least one in three women worldwide would experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In some countries, laws still allowed perpetrators to escape punishment by marrying their victims, while others lacked any legal protection for survivors at all.

The UN chose this day not only to raise awareness but to mobilize action. The date also begins the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, lasting from November 25 through December 10, Human Rights Day—a symbolic reminder that safety and human dignity are deeply interconnected. Each year, governments, schools, grassroots groups, and activists use this period to educate communities, push for legal reforms, and support survivors.

Over time, the focus has expanded to include new and growing threats, including digital violence. Online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, deepfake exploitation, and targeted hate campaigns continue to silence women—especially journalists, activists, and public figures. The rise of unregulated technology and anonymous online platforms has made digital spaces unsafe for many, proving that violence doesn’t stay behind a screen; it can lead to real-life harm.

Despite global progress, major gaps remain. As of today, only about two-thirds of countries have laws against domestic violence. Many still lack protections against marital rape or digital abuse. This reality is why November 25 matters so deeply: it reminds us that ending violence against women requires stronger laws, better support systems, and communities willing to challenge harmful beliefs and structures.

At its heart, this day is both a memorial and a movement. It honors the Mirabal sisters, whose bravery sparked international change, and it challenges each generation to continue the work. By learning about this history and raising our voices, we help build a world where women and girls can live freely, safely, and with the dignity they deserve.

Why It Matters

Violence against women is not just a private issue—it is a global human rights emergency that affects families, communities, and entire societies. Understanding the history behind November 25 helps us see why awareness, education, and action are essential for building safer and more equitable communities. When we learn about the Mirabal sisters, the work of activists, and the continuing challenges faced by women around the world, we are reminded that justice and equality require collective effort. Every voice matters in the movement to create a world where women and girls can live without fear.