International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Violence against women is a problem that has been accepted and condoned all throughout human history. The notion that women were property that could be owned by a man during Ancient Roman times and even 18th century English laws that allowed a man to “discipline” his wife and children with a stick or whip are both examples of the tragedy of the ways women have been oppressed. 

It has been a fight for many centuries for women to be able to function in western society with equal rights in their homes and in the workplace, without being subjected to violent acts from men.

The 18th and 19th centuries were important times for the advancement of women’s rights. By 1920, the United States had made it illegal for a man to physically abuse his wife, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that society began to truly give attention to the problem. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act, signed by President Bill Clinton, was passed in the US to provide services and care for women who were victims, as well as funding for prosecution of perpetrators of domestic violence.

While many strides have been made in recent decades, it is important to remember that violence against women is prevalent all around the world. And in come countries where women have few rights, violence against them is still legal or often culturally condoned.

The International Day for the Elimination of the Violence Against Women was established with the purpose of raising awareness about the fact that women locally and around the world are subject to violence including domestic abuse, rape, stalking and more. The hope is that this day will bring the problem of violence against women to the forefront of people’s minds and continue to offer awareness, prevention, assistance and solutions all throughout the year.

History of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

When the Mirabal sisters acted as resistance fighters and were willing to speak out against the abusive government of the Dominican Republic, they were brutally beaten and murdered on November 25, 1960. Then in 1981, when the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women began, the date was set in honor and memory of these remarkable women.

Women’s activists began celebrating this day annually and the event grew throughout that 1980s. The purpose of the day was meant to raise awareness for and show opposition to the problem of violence against women, whether in their own homes as victims of domestic abuse, or in other situations.

By the 1990s, violence against women became an important part of initiatives of the United Nations. And in the year 2000, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was declared as an official observance. 

How to Celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Considering ways to get involved and observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women? Check out some of these ideas on this day and all throughout the year:

Volunteer to Help Women

On a typical day, around 20,000 calls are placed to national hotlines that help women who are victims of violence. An excellent way to observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, not only on this day but all year round, might be to volunteer to help at such a hotline, women’s shelter or other space that helps women who are victims of violence. 

Those who work in law or medicine might consider donating some of their time to help women with legal or medical needs. Others who have counseling or social work expertise may find they can be of assistance with caring for women who have been victims of violence and abuse.

Understand Signs of Violence Against Women

Many times, domestic abuse is a quiet kind of violence that is difficult to detect. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers may be able to help if they know and understand the signs of violence and what would be the best way to respond. This can be a difficult situation since the majority of violence against women happens through an intimate partner, but when women are informed they are more able to see clearly and get help. 

Learn more through local women’s shelters or an online search, and consider some of these warning signs of violence or abuse: 

• Limiting interactions with others by discouraging or preventing from going to work or school, or seeing friends and family
• Insults, speaks down, calls names
• Controlling behavior about things like spending money, what clothing is worn, where times is spent or even medicines that are taken
• Angry or threatening behavior, especially when drinking alcohol or using drugs

Host an Educational Event

One of the most important parts of the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women is that men and women, boys and girls should all be educated to promote prevention first. Parents, teachers, school administrators, teen club leaders and many others with influence in the community may effectively work toward prevention by working together to host educational and awareness events in honor of International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.