End violence against women! 

By Ashriya Gupta

Did you know that over 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence in their lifetime? According to the UN, 137 women fall victim to familial violence each day, and shockingly, less than 40% seek any form of assistance. Government aid allocation is starkly imbalanced, with just 5% dedicated to addressing violence against women and girls, and a mere 0.2% earmarked for prevention.

Violence against women and girls stands as one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. While ending this violence is feasible, concerted collective action is essential. Recognised on 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this day prompts reflection, renewal, amplification, and strategic planning to fulfill commitments for eradication by 2030.

Since 1981, women’s rights activists have marked 25 November as a day against gender-based violence. The date is chosen in honor of the Mirabai sisters, Dominican Republic political activists brutally murdered in 1960 on the orders of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

The General Assembly, on 20 December 1993, adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through resolution 48/104, laying the groundwork for eradicating violence against women and girls globally.

Violence against women is an everyday reality; act now, always, and forever before it’s too late.