International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an international observance aimed at raising awareness about all forms of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence directed at women and girls. Violence against women is defined as any act, threat, coercion, or deprivation of liberty that causes or is likely to cause harm to women, whether it occurs in public or private life.

History

On 25 November 1960, the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic were assassinated for their resistance against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. This event has since been recognized as a symbolic representation of violence against women and has generated global awareness. On 20 December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 48/104, the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, establishing the eradication of violence against women as a global goal. On 134/54 UN resolution dated 7 February 2000, 25 November was officially designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The UN General Assembly has invited governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to organize awareness-raising activities on this date each year.

Objective

The primary objective of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is to increase societal and global awareness of violence against women, strengthen protection and support mechanisms for female victims and girls, safeguard women’s human rights, and promote their entitlement to equal rights.

Significance

Violence against women not only threatens the physical and psychological well-being of individuals but also negatively impacts social development, economic growth, and social welfare. It is recognized globally as a widespread violation of human rights, making its prevention of critical importance at both individual and societal levels.

Global Situation

According to United Nations data from 2023, one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. According to the World Health Organization’s 2021 data, one in three women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical or sexual violence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that approximately 87,000 women are killed annually by intentional homicide, with 58 percent of these killings committed by someone close to the victim. In Gaza, between October 2023 and November 2024, 11,742 women lost their lives due to Israeli attacks, and women have faced social, economic, and psychological violence as a result of conflict.^【1】

Situation and Efforts in Türkiye

In Türkiye, social, economic, psychological, and legal support for women who are victims of violence is provided through the General Directorate of the Status of Women and the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Through collaboration between public institutions and civil society organizations, women’s legal rights, social status, and personal skills are enhanced; family communication is improved; and income-generating professions are promoted. Educational programs include activities such as mother-child education, domestic violence awareness training, anger management seminars, health workshops, and adult literacy courses.

Professional training courses include practical skills such as making misk fruit soap, jewelry design, sewing, embroidery, ebru art, ceramics, and pike stitching. Social and cultural activities are supported through theater, cinema, cultural tours, and special day celebrations. To facilitate access to services, free ALO 183 Social Support Line has been established. Services are provided for women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in need of protection through ASDEP staff.

International Efforts

UNESCO organizes events annually on 25 November to raise awareness and highlights emerging forms of violence such as online abuse and algorithmic gender bias driven by artificial intelligence. Through the Women for Ethical AI Network, efforts aim to prevent AI-fueled gender-based violence and promote ethical practices. The Transforming MENtalities Initiative informs policymakers and proposes concrete measures to advance gender equality.