International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Since 1981, 25th November is identified as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by United Nations mainly in the remembrance of brutal assassination of three Mirabel sisters who fought against dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

Around the world violence against women has taken a devastating shape. According to the UN report, country specific data show more than 70% of women become victim of physical brutality. Other shapes of hostility against women are domestic violence, ostracism from their family, Femicide, trafficking, dowry death, honour killing, sexual abuse at schools or colleges or workplaces, rape either by husband or intimate partner or strangers and many more. Death rate as the outcome of various forms of violence is higher than death due to disability or diseases. This day is intended to spread awareness of women’s human right and eliminate the demoralizing practices; it is also to empower women and advocate their strength.

In India, a campaign for change in daughters' perspective 'Daughters against Dowry' will be launched on this occasion (25th November, 2009). A National seminar is to be conducted on "IMPLEMENTATION OF DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT" In Delhi more than 500 girls from various schools will assemble and highlight Dowry Prohibition Act.

......Mousumi