International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women serves as a vital reminder to raise awareness and take action against this global issue. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day to address the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by women and girls worldwide. It is an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together in addressing underlying causes, promoting gender equality, and building a world free of violence against women.

The origins of this important day stretch back to 1960 when three sisters in the Dominican Republic, known as the Mirabal sisters, were brutally murdered for their political activism. The international community marks this event as a call to action, reminding people of the need to support and protect those who suffer from discrimination and violence. In Australia, this day is especially significant as a staggering one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence. This highlights the necessity for continuous efforts to combat violence against women in Australia.

Every year on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed in Australia through various events and initiatives. These may include educational workshops, community gatherings, and media campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue. The Australian government, alongside non-governmental organizations, plays an essential role in supporting and implementing policies that address the root causes of violence against women. The goal is to foster positive societal change and to ensure safety, freedom, and equal opportunities for women and girls across Australia.

Facts about violence against women

• The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2024 was Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls It underscores the approaching 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, established in 1995 to advance women's rights. The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2023 was Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence
• According to the U.N, it's estimated that 35% of all women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
• November 25th has been recognized as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date honors the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were mere murdered in 1960 by the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo.
• Violence against women in Australia is often perpetrated by someone known to them, such as a current or former partner. Approximately one in six women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner.
• Exposure to domestic violence has a detrimental impact on children, affecting their social, emotional, and mental development. About 1 in 4 young people in Australia has witnessed violence against their mother or stepmother.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Explore the U.N's informative Guideline to better understand the inequality women face.
• One of the most common forms of violence is intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence can be committed by a former partner or a spouse and can take place in a public or private space. If you or someone you know has been affected, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
• Watch a documentary that will make you think and analyze how violent behaviour affects the society. Some of our recommendations are: Call Me Dad (2015),Silent No More (2015), Hitting Home (2015) andMissing or Murdered: The Tragedy of the Dandenong Ranges (2016).
• There are some books and reports that cover various aspects of violence against women in Australia, from research and data analysis to prevention strategies, legal frameworks, and cultural factors. They provide valuable insights and perspectives on understanding and addressing the issue. Some of our recommendations are: Violence Against Women: A Men's Issue by Michael Flood, Violence against Women and Children: Mapping the Needs by Julie Stubbs and Jane Wangmann, Violence Against Women in Australia: Key Research & Evaluation Reports by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and
  Invisible Victims: Women, Work and Family Violence by Margaret J. Alston.