International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Promoting respect and dignity for women, this vital movement strives to create a world where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered.
Position your organization as a champion for women's safety and empowerment by supporting awareness, volunteering, and resource-sharing during this critical observance.
- Spotlight volunteer opportunities at shelters and hotlines; share how your org supports survivors year-round
- Educational content on recognizing signs of abuse and resources for intervention
- Partner with women's shelters or legal/medical professionals to amplify support services
- Campaign highlighting real stories of resilience and community action against violence
When the Mirabal sisters acted as resistance fighters and were willing to speak out against the abusive government of the Dominican Republic, they were brutally beaten and murdered on November 25, 1960. Then in 1981, when the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women began, the date was set in honor and memory of these remarkable women.
Women’s activists began celebrating this day annually and the event grew throughout that 1980s. The purpose of the day was meant to raise awareness for and show opposition to the problem of violence against women, whether in their own homes as victims of domestic abuse, or in other situations.
By the 1990s, violence against women became an important part of initiatives of the United Nations. And in the year 2000, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was declared as an official observance.
Volunteer to Help Women
On a typical day, around 20,000 calls are placed to national hotlines that help women who are victims of violence. An excellent way to observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, not only on this day but all year round, might be to volunteer to help at such a hotline, women’s shelter or other space that helps women who are victims of violence. Those who work in law or medicine might consider donating some of their time to help women with legal or medical needs. Others who have counseling or social work expertise may find they can be of assistance with caring for women who have been victims of violence and abuse.
Understand Signs of Violence Against Women
Many times, domestic abuse is a quiet kind of violence that is difficult to detect. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers may be able to help if they know and understand the signs of violence and what would be the best way to respond. This can be a difficult situation since the majority of violence against women happens through an intimate partner, but when women are informed they are more able to see clearly and get help. Learn more through local women’s shelters or an online search, and consider some of these warning signs of violence or abuse: Limiting interactions with others by discouraging or preventing from going to work or school, or seeing friends and familyInsults, speaks down, calls namesControlling behavior about things like spending money, what clothing is worn, where times is spent or even medicines that are takenAngry or threatening behavior, especially when drinking alcohol or using drugs
Host an Educational Event
One of the most important parts of the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women is that men and women, boys and girls should all be educated to promote prevention first. Parents, teachers, school administrators, teen club leaders and many others with influence in the community may effectively work toward prevention by working together to host educational and awareness events in honor of International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women FAQsWhat is the Violence Against Women Act?This federal law in the United States is meant to protect women against homelessness who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent acts.[1]Has violence against women increased?Since the COVID-19 pandemic, studies show that violence against women has increased across the board, particularly domestic violence. [1]How can we end violence against women?This is a complicated issue, but some of the ways to end violence against women are to speak out, know signs of abuse, challenge masculinity, fund women’s organizations and push for stronger laws. [1]How many women are victims of domestic violence?Estimates show that more than 12 million women in the US experience severe physical violence, abuse or stalking from an intimate partner.[1]How does gender based violence affect education?Gender based violence in education causes absenteeism, reduced student health, detriments to psychological development, as well as perpetuation of cultural norms that degrade women. [1]