November 25, countries around the world observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a date established by the United Nations to raise awareness, condemn all forms of violence against women and girls, and demand stronger measures to protect their rights and safety.
The day pays tribute to the Mirabal sisters —Patria, Minerva and María Teresa— Dominican activists who were murdered in 1960 by the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo for their political resistance and feminist activism. Their assassination became a symbol of the struggle against gender-based violence, leading the UN to officially designate 25 November as an international day of awareness in 1999.
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November 25. Across the globe, institutions, organisations and communities mark the date with demonstrations, public statements, educational campaigns, moments of silence and events honouring the victims.
It is also an occasion to highlight the work of support services and to reinforce the commitment of governments and civil society to ending gender-based violence in all its forms —physical, psychological, sexual, economic and digital.
The message of the day is clear: violence against women must never be tolerated, and its eradication requires collective action from society as a whole.
November 25
Beyond its commemorative nature, November 25 also serves as a reminder that violence against women is a human rights violation affecting societies worldwide, regardless of economic or cultural context. According to UN data, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, a figure that illustrates the scale of the issue and the need for sustained, global strategies that address its structural causes.
Educational institutions, community groups and cultural organisations use this date to promote equality programmes for children and young people. Workshops, public talks, film screenings and debates help dismantle gender stereotypes and encourage discussions about healthy relationships. Early education on empathy, respect and personal boundaries is considered essential to preventing abusive behaviours from becoming normalised.
Public administrations also take advantage of this day to launch awareness campaigns, strengthen intervention protocols and highlight support resources available for victims. Hotlines operating 24/7, emergency shelters, free legal assistance and psychological recovery programmes are some of the services emphasised on this date, ensuring that no woman feels isolated or without protection. Additionally, specialised training is reinforced for police forces, healthcare professionals and educators.
Another relevant dimension of November 25 is the effort to shine a light on less visible forms of violence, such as vicarious violence —when the aggressor targets children to harm the mother—, economic abuse, digital harassment and obstetric violence. Although less recognised in public debate, these forms of abuse have severe emotional and physical impacts. The aim is to broaden the understanding of gender-based violence and develop comprehensive policies that address all its manifestations.
On an international scale, the UN “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” campaign, active since 2008, coordinates global initiatives under the slogan “Orange the World”. Iconic buildings and monuments are illuminated in orange to symbolise hope and a future free from violence, creating a visual statement of solidarity with women and girls everywhere.
Finally, November 25 is also a moment to acknowledge the crucial role played by feminist organisations and social movements that have long fought for legislative reforms, institutional improvements and cultural change. Their relentless work has significantly expanded public awareness and led to essential rights and protections. However, major challenges remain: strengthening prevention, ensuring access to justice, improving protection mechanisms and fostering a deep cultural shift that eliminates gender inequality at its roots.