The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The premise of this day is to raise awareness of the fact that women all over the world are victims of rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence. Furthermore, one of its aims is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue are often hidden. The theme for 2021 is Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!
History
On November 25, 1960, the three Mirabal sisters were murdered on the orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. In 1981, Caribbean feminist Encuentros and Latin America activists marked November 25 as the day to raise awareness of violence against women.
The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 1993 defines violence against women. An act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including the threat, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of rights and freedoms by such acts in public or private life.
Importance of this day
However, the Covid-19 crisis continues to grow and the need for a global collective effort to stop it is being emphasized. The corona virus has raised concerns about health services. At the same time, women have had to be victims of domestic violence in this period. Hence essential services like domestic violence shelters and helplines have been provided.
The United Nations General Assembly has given timely information to women to deal with violence during Covid-19. Domestic violence has increased during the pandemic in many countries. At the same time, the UNITE organization of the Joint General Secretary also talks about the women’s side. It eradicates violence against women and girls.