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Building peace in the minds of men and women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

25 November

On 25 November 1960, the Mirabal sisters were brutally assassinated because of their identity as women and activists. Their only crime was having fought for their rights against the Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961). In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 48/104 for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which defines this type of violence as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” Consequently, to solidify this decision, in 1999 the General Assembly proclaimed 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Violence against women is an obstacle to constructing inclusive and sustainable societies. This is why UNESCO highlights gender equality and non-violence. It is impossible for a society to blossom if half of the population lives in fear of being assaulted.

Observing this day symbolizes the mobilization against violence against women and reminds us that women must be at the heart of change.

EVENTS OF THE DAY IN 2021

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

"At  a  time  when  the  world  is  facing  an  unprecedented  health,  economic  and  social crisis,  we  must  not  forget  that  the  COVID-19  pandemic  is  superimposed  on  a  "shadow pandemic", that of violence against girls and women."

—  Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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