25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every year across the world on 25 November.
Observance of this day seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end the violence against the women. It also seeks to show that prevention is possible against violence of women.
2016 Theme: “Orange the World – raise funds to end violence against women”. The orange colour in the theme symbolizes a better future to women and girls all over the globe without the pervasive human rights violation which affects 1 in 3 women and girls all over the globe.
Background

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated this day through a resolution 54/134 passed in December 1999.
• Prior to it, women’s activists across the world observed this day against violence since 1981. Earlier in December 1993, the UNGA had adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women by passing resolution 48/104.
• This day is commemorated in the memory of the Mirabal sisters who were three political activists from the Dominican Republic. They were brutally assassinated during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship (1930-1961) in 1960.

Why this International Day is observed?

• Violence against women is a human rights violation.
• Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law. It is also in general practice and persisting inequalities between men and women.
• Violence against women impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, peace and security and combating HIV/AIDS.
• Violence against women and girls is not inevitable but prevention is possible and essential.
• Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016