Making the world safer for women

Despite increased publicity and government initiatives, domestic violence against women is still far too prevalent.

One in four women in Australia, from the age of 15, have experienced violence from an intimate partner. About 2.3 million women reported a violent assault in 2021-22. 

However, the problem is not just confined to places like Australia, but all countries, cultures and socioeconomic groups are affected. Violence against women in the form of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, harassment, or harmful cultural practices affects millions.

So, on Tuesday (November 25) we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The origins of the day can be traced to the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, political activists who were brutally murdered in 1960 for resisting dictatorship. Their deaths became a symbol of extreme gender-based oppression.

Gender-based violence is rooted in inequality, discrimination, and entrenched social norms that devalue women and girls.

In 1999 the United Nations officially designated November 25 in their honour. Today, their legacy lives on as governments, organisations, and communities challenge the systems and attitudes that enable violence to persist.

The event marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that increases advocacy efforts through to Human Rights Day on December 10.

Efforts include awareness campaigns, vigils, policy discussions, and community initiatives aimed at promoting safety and empowerment. Schools, workplaces, community groups and various organisations all play a role focussing on survivors’ stories and strengthening support services for victims.

It is also an invitation for individuals to reflect on their own roles in creating a safer, fairer world. Challenging hurtful language, supporting survivors, educating others, and pressing for fair policies are all important steps toward positive change.

Second image: Patria, Minerva and María Teresa Mirabal.

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