November 25th is designated as the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This is a day when we can bring attention to this issue and do what we can to help put an end to it.
Why was November 25th chosen to mark this day? In 1960, three sisters were assassinated in the Dominican Republic on the orders of the Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo. The Mirabel sisters had fought to end Trujillo's dictatorship. Activists on women's rights have observed a day against violence on the anniversary of the deaths of these three women since 1981.
On December 17, 1999 the UN General Assembly designated November 25th as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Events that recognize this day are coordinated by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).
