In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, emphasizing the global urgency and scale of the issue. The day aims to raise awareness of the widespread impact of violence against women, promote the establishment of laws and policies to hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen support for survivors through funding and comprehensive national action plans.

The United Nations presents evidence showing that violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in the world today. Specifically, they report that:

• Nearly 1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in her lifetime.
• In 2023, more than 51,100 women were killed by partners or family members, meaning a woman was killed every 10 minutes due to gender-based violence.
• The issue extends far beyond the home. Violence has escalated in workplaces, online spaces, and during crises such as conflicts and natural disasters.

They also emphasize the need for decisive action, holding perpetrators accountable, and speeding up efforts through well-organized strategies and increased funding for women's rights movements.

Read more in the on the United Nations website for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Explore the international campaign 16 Days of Activism: #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women.