The United Nations General Assembly has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness about all forms of violence against women. It is also the starting date of the 16 days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day.
 

 

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (CETS No. 210), also known as the Istanbul Convention, was adopted on 7 April 2011 and entered into force on 1 August 2014.

It establishes a comprehensive set of legally binding obligations to ensure a holistic response to all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. It combines detailed provisions concerning

  • preventing violence, 
  • protecting and supporting victims, and 
  • prosecuting perpetrators 
  • with the obligation to develop a set of comprehensive policies that are to be implemented in a co ordinated manner.


Therefore, during the 16 days of activism, GREVIO and Committee of the Parties’ members are actively taking part to events to promote the work of the convention by sharing good practices already put in place by parties and to encourage states that have not yet done so to ratify the Convention.
 

It is a time to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world

 

Background

Women's rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

On 20 December 1993, the General Assembly adopts the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through resolution 48/104, paving the path towards eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide.

Finally, on 7 February 2000, the General Assembly adopts resolution 54/134, officially designating 25 November as the International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and in doing so, inviting governments, international organisations as well as NGOs to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue every year on that date.
 

UN-Women - The UNiTE campaign has proclaimed the 25th of each month as “Orange Day”, a day to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls.
 

As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents
hope and a future free from violence against women and girls