International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024: Know Everything in One Click

When is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024 will be observed on November 25th.

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What is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a global observance to spotlight the urgent need to end violence against women and girls everywhere. The day serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide to advocate for women’s safety and rights. On this day, awareness campaigns, educational events, and public demonstrations are held to highlight the various forms of violence that women face—such as domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace harassment, and online abuse.

What is the theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2024?

The theme for the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was “Every 11 Minutes, one woman is killed and “UNITE to End Violence against Women.”

Why is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women important?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is essential for raising awareness about one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations: violence against women and girls. This day highlights the ongoing issues of physical, emotional, and economic violence that affect nearly one-third of all women globally, whether through domestic abuse, workplace harassment, or other forms of violence. It calls attention to the profound impacts of such violence—not only on women themselves but also on families, communities, and societies, where it leads to significant emotional and economic costs.

How did the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women originate?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women originated as a tribute to the courage and legacy of the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa—three activists from the Dominican Republic who were assassinated on November 25, 1960. Known as “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies), they opposed the oppressive rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo and ultimately lost their lives because of their outspoken resistance. Their deaths became a symbol of the broader struggle against gender-based violence and injustice.

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This recognition was a powerful step to elevate awareness about violence against women on a global level, pushing for stronger commitments from governments and organizations worldwide to address and prevent this issue. Since then, the day has also marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign aimed at raising awareness and driving meaningful action to protect women and promote gender equality.

What types of violence are addressed on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women addresses several types of violence that women face worldwide. Following are some forms of violence highlighted:

1. Physical Violence: This includes any form of physical assault, such as domestic violence, where women may face abuse from intimate partners or family members.
2. Sexual Violence: This category includes rape, sexual assault, and harassment, often perpetrated in both private and public spaces.
3. Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Psychological abuse can involve intimidation, humiliation, controlling behavior, or isolating women from friends and family. This type of violence deeply impacts mental health, contributing to issues like depression and anxiety.
4. Economic Abuse: Economic or financial abuse restricts women’s access to resources or the ability to work, often making them financially dependent on abusers.
5. Digital or Online Violence: With the rise of digital technology, online harassment and cyberbullying have become prominent forms of violence. Women often face threats, defamation, or abuse on social media platforms.
6. Harmful Cultural Practices: Practices such as forced marriage, “honor” crimes, and FGM are forms of violence rooted in certain cultural or social norms. These practices violate women’s rights, dignity, and health and remain prevalent in various parts of the world.

How does the UN observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

The United Nations observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on through a variety of impactful global actions. Following is how the UN commemorates this important day:

1. Global Awareness Campaigns: The UN launches campaigns like UNiTE to End Violence Against Women, which includes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This campaign encourages countries, communities, and organizations to advocate for women’s rights and support gender equality, using hashtags such as #OrangeTheWorld and #NoExcuse to unite people globally.
2. Lighting Landmarks in Orange: To symbolize a brighter future without violence, iconic landmarks around the world are illuminated in orange, the official color of the campaign. Orange represents hope and a violence-free future for women and girls.
3. Public Events and Educational Programs: The UN and its agencies organize educational seminars, workshops, and public events on topics like prevention strategies, the effects of gender-based violence, and the need for survivor support.
4. Policy Advocacy and Government Engagement: Through UN Women and other bodies, the UN urges governments to commit to stronger laws, increased funding, and effective measures that prevent violence and support survivors.
5. Support for Survivors and Community Engagement: The UN also emphasizes the importance of support services for survivors, such as shelters, hotlines, and counseling, to help them rebuild their lives.

How can I participate in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

Participating in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a powerful way to contribute to raising awareness and advocating for a violence-free world. Following are some meaningful ways to get involved:

1. Wear Orange and Spread Awareness: The UN’s campaign color, orange, symbolizes a brighter future without violence. Wear orange on November 25 and share why this day is important on social media using hashtags like #OrangeTheWorld and #EndViolenceAgainstWomen to help spread the word and encourage others to join the conversation.
2. Join or Host Events and Discussions: Look for events, webinars, or community discussions and If possible, you could even organize a small event in your community or workplace to discuss topics like prevention, support for survivors, and how to recognize signs of abuse.
3. Participate in the 16 Days of Activism: This campaign, which starts on November 25 and runs until December 10, International Human Rights Day, encourages people to advocate for gender equality and help reduce violence.
4. Support Organizations Working Against Violence: You can donate to or volunteer with organizations that support survivors of violence or work to prevent gender-based violence.
5. Educate Yourself and Advocate for Policy Changes: Take time to learn about the root causes of violence against women, such as social norms, economic inequalities, and lack of access to education.
6. Be a Supportive Ally: If you know someone who might be experiencing violence, let them know you’re there to support them without judgment.

What are some statistics on violence against women globally?

Global statistics on violence against women reveal a stark and pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide:

1. Prevalence of Violence: Approximately 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, often by an intimate partner. This statistic includes over 736 million women and remains consistent in both developed and developing nations (WHO, UN Women).
2. Intimate Partner Violence: Nearly 1 in 4 women aged 15 to 49 have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by a partner.
3. Sexual Harassment: Over 75% of women report experiencing sexual harassment in workplaces, public spaces, and online environments.
4. Femicide Rates: Tragically, 137 women are killed by a family member or intimate partner each day. These cases of “femicide” often go underreported, as they occur within households.
5. Impact on Young Women: For women aged 15–29, intimate partner violence and sexual assault are among the leading causes of death and disability.
6. Pandemic Increase: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of domestic violence surged, with some countries reporting up to a 30% increase in calls to support services and helplines.

How does gender-based violence impact society?

Gender-based violence (GBV) has profound and far-reaching consequences that go beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm to individuals. It impacts not just the victims, but society as a whole in various significant ways:

1. Economic Costs: Gender-based violence imposes enormous financial costs on societies. Victims often miss work or school, impacting the economy. A report by the World Bank estimates that intimate partner violence costs countries up to 3.7% of their GDP annually, which is a substantial economic burden.
2. Health Impacts: GBV severely affects the mental, emotional, and physical health of victims. Survivors are at higher risk for chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Social and Cultural Consequences: GBV perpetuates inequality and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, normalizing the idea that women’s rights can be violated. This cultural acceptance of violence can hinder social progress and perpetuate cycles of abuse across generations.
4. Public Safety and Security: High rates of gender-based violence erode trust in law enforcement and the justice system. When survivors are not adequately protected or supported, the legitimacy of institutions that are supposed to protect citizens is undermined.
5. Impact on Families and Communities: Children exposed to violence are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems, struggle in school, and suffer from neglect. This not only affects individual families but also places an additional burden on community resources such as schools, social services, and public health programs.

International day for the elimination of violence against women 2024: Speech

Good morning, everyone.

Today, we stand together in solidarity to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day that brings to light the silent and often invisible epidemic of gender-based violence that affects millions of women around the world. The statistics are staggering—1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a reality that far too many live with in silence and fear.

This day is more than just a commemoration. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we cannot remain passive in the face of violence that robs women of their dignity, their safety, and their rights. It is a moment for us all—governments, organizations, communities, and individuals—to reflect on how we can be part of the solution, not just today, but every day.

The theme for this year, is “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls! #NoExcuse”. It challenges us to shift our focus from merely responding to violence to actively preventing it. For too long, resources and attention have been disproportionately spent on dealing with the aftermath of violence, while prevention strategies have been left underfunded and underdeveloped. It’s time for that to change.

Violence against women is not just a women’s issue. It’s a societal issue that affects everyone. It ripples through families, communities, and nations, leaving long-term emotional, physical, and economic scars. It’s a threat to social stability, to economic growth, and to the basic human rights we all hold dear. When women are unsafe, society is unsafe. When women cannot live without fear, our communities are deprived of their full potential.

As we remember the courage of the Mirabal sisters, who gave their lives in the fight for justice, we must commit to the fight they started. We must ensure that their legacy—one of defiance against injustice, of strength in the face of oppression—lives on in our actions. The violence they faced is not a distant memory; it is an ongoing reality for millions of women and girls around the world.

But we are not powerless. Every voice matters. Every effort counts. Whether it’s supporting survivors, advocating for stronger laws, or educating future generations on respect and equality, we all have a role to play in ending violence.

On this day, let us not only reflect on the violence that exists but also on the steps we can take to prevent it. Invest in education that teaches the values of equality and respect. Support survivors by creating spaces where they can heal, rebuild, and reclaim their lives. Demand stronger laws that hold perpetrators accountable and offer protection to the vulnerable. Let us continue to fight for a world where every woman and girl can live without fear, without violence, and with the full dignity that they deserve.

Let’s say no to violence. Let’s say yes to safety, respect, and equality. Together, we can create a future where gender-based violence is a thing of the past.

Thank you.

International day for the elimination of violence against women 2024: Quotes

Following are best quotes for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024, emphasizing the need for solidarity, action, and change:

1. Violence against women is a global pandemic. The fight for gender equality is the fight for a world where women live free from fear, free from harm. — UN Women
2. The violence that women face is not a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue. — UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
3. There is no excuse for violence against women. We must break the silence and break the cycle. — Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General
4. To end violence against women, we must start by eliminating silence. Every voice counts in creating a safer, more equal world. — UN Women
5. Women’s rights are human rights, and we must continue to fight until every woman can live without fear of violence. — Hillary Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State
6. Violence against women is not a private matter. It is a public concern that demands collective action and responsibility. — UNFPA
7. Ending violence against women requires men to change their attitudes and behavior. Gender equality is not a woman’s job, it is a societal one. — Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
8. Gender-based violence is an abuse of power. We must hold perpetrators accountable and empower women to reclaim their lives. — Melanne Verveer, Former U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues
9. Each time a woman or girl is silenced, the world becomes a little more unequal. The fight for equality cannot wait. — Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
10. Our commitment to ending violence against women is unwavering, because when women thrive, so does society. — Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States