International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Date: November 25
Theme for 2024: Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a global crisis that remains one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights violations. Nearly one in three women worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, primarily from intimate partners. For over 51,100 women in 2023, gender-based violence culminated in their murder by partners or family members—a woman is killed every 10 minutes.

This violence manifests in various forms, including:

• Intimate partner violence: Battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, and femicide.
• Sexual violence and harassment: Rape, forced sexual acts, child sexual abuse, and stalking (including online).
• Human trafficking: Enslavement and sexual exploitation.
• Harmful practices: Female genital mutilation and child marriage.

Call to Action: UNiTE Campaign (Nov 25–Dec 10)

The UNiTE Campaign, launched annually on November 25, spans 16 days of activism, concluding on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The 2024 campaign theme highlights the alarming reality of gender-based violence, calling for renewed commitments and urgent action to hold perpetrators accountable.

Key campaign goals include:

• Supporting survivors through robust legal frameworks and funding for women’s rights initiatives.
• Engaging governments, civil society, and individuals to work collectively toward eliminating violence.
• Raising awareness to dismantle the stigma, silence, and impunity surrounding VAWG.

Barriers and Challenges

VAWG often goes unreported due to social stigma, shame, fear of retaliation, and a lack of legal protection. Women in vulnerable situations, such as migrants, refugees, LGBTI individuals, indigenous populations, or those with disabilities, face heightened risks.

A Global Imperative

The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993) defines violence against women 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, whether in public or private life.”

This violence impacts women at every stage of life, hindering education, employment, and opportunities, and obstructs progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equality (SDG 5). Ending VAWG is essential for creating a world where no one is left behind.

How You Can Participate

• Advocate for policy changes to address VAWG.
• Support local women’s organizations and shelters.
• Participate in the UNiTE campaign and the 16 Days of Activism.
• Wear orange, the campaign’s symbolic color, to show solidarity.

By addressing violence against women and girls, we take a vital step toward building a just, equal, and peaceful world.

#NoExcuse #EndViolenceAgainstWomen