KEY TAKEAWAYS:
25th November was chosen as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in remembrance of the Mirabal sisters, three Dominican Republic political activists who were brutally killed in 1960 on the orders of Rafael Trujillo, the country's ruler (1930–1961).
The 16 Days of Activism begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes on Human Rights Day on December 10. People from all around the world come together during these 16 days to advocate for the abolition of gender-based violence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction
Origin of the day
Significance
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
The United Nations General Assembly has marked 25th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It also signals the start of 16 days of activism that culminates with International Human Rights Day.
1 in 3 women experience abuse at some stage of their life. The numbers rise in times of crisis, as during the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent humanitarian disasters, conflicts and climate disasters. In a recently released UN Women study, which draws on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, 2 in 3 women reported having been abused or known as an abused woman. Only 10% of women said victims would report to the police.
It is worth mentioning that gender-based violence is ubiquitous, but not always. It is both possible and required to prevent the same. Listening to survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes change harmful social norms and empower girls and women are some ways to achieve the said goal.
ORIGIN
Violence against women and girls remains a major issue in the world, despite the UN General Assembly adopting the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1979. To eradicate cruelty against women and girls globally, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women through Resolution 48/104, on 20th December 1993.
In due course, on 7th February, 2000, the General Assembly passed Resolution 54/134, and formally declared 25th November to be the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This action also invited governments, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations to collaborate and organise events aimed at increasing public awareness of the issue on this date each year.
The UNiTE to End Violence against Women which was started in 2008, was another urging step in the right path. In addition to strengthening policymaking and resources dedicated to putting an end to violence against women and girls globally, it seeks to augment public awareness of the problem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Three sisters named Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa resided in the Dominican Republic during Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship. The rule of Rafael Trujillo was incredibly oppressive. Those who opposed him were tortured, imprisoned and executed. Trujillo ordered the mass murder of thousands of Haitians living in the Dominican Republic in the late 1930s. During his 31-year rule, he established a totalitarian government that repressed many citizens' rights. Trujillo frequently hired persons to locate young females so he could take advantage of them.
The three Mirabal Sisters fronted an underground campaign to rebel against Rafael Trujillo's government and actively fought the brutal and organised violence of his rule. Dede, their fourth sister, chose not to participate in the activism with them. Rafael Trujillo used to frequently order individuals to harass and arrest the Mirabal Sisters, threatening them all. The Mirabal sisters created and distributed brochures listing the people Trujillo had murdered as part of their campaign to raise awareness of his cruelty. Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa were beaten to death by Rafael Trujillo on 25th November, 1960. To make it appear as though there had been an accident, their remains were loaded into the sisters' jeep and driven off the road. Rafael Trujillo was assassinated six months later by former allies in part because of the public outcry over the death of the three Mirabal sisters. The Mirabal sisters became symbols of democratic and feminist resistance. They were given the name "Las Mariposas," which means "The Butterflies." Dede Mirabal devoted her time to remembering her sisters and continuing to develop their work. They were honoured in 1999 when the United Nations General Assembly declared 25th November to be the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
"If they kill me, I’ll reach my arms out from the tomb and I’ll be stronger." - Minerva Mirabal
CONCLUSION
We must keep fighting for the rights of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and violence against women. We can accomplish this by lobbying, educating the public, and running campaigns.
By ensuring that gender equality is enshrined in our laws and societal attitudes, all of this can contribute to the influence of policy and political changes that can prevent violence against women.
REFERENCES
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