Violence against women in the spotlight worldwide

Every year, between November 25 and December 10, a call is made to end violence against women. Why exactly on these days? And what are the origins of the “16 days of action against violence against women”? Answers to the most important questions.

Why does the campaign last exactly 16 days?

The beginning and end of the days of action are important days for women’s rights every year. November 25 is the International Day against Violence against Women. December 10 is Human Rights Day. The connection between the two days of remembrance makes it clear that women’s rights are fundamental human rights. In other words, violence against women is always a violation of human rights. The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence” campaign was launched in 1991 by the women’s rights organization Center for Women’s Global Leadership. Since then, it has been supported in around 190 countries.

Why is violence against women commemorated on November 25? What happened back then?

The day of remembrance commemorates the murder of three women in the Dominican Republic. Over 60 years ago, on November 25, 1960. On this day, the sisters Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal were killed by the secret service of the island state, on behalf of the Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. The three sisters belonged to a resistance movement that wanted to depose dictator Trujillo, who acted with the utmost brutality against his political opponents. On November 25, they had visited their imprisoned husbands, who were also part of the opposition movement. The three women were murdered on the return journey.

When did November 25 become an international day of remembrance?

November 25 was declared an international day of remembrance at a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean feminists in Colombia in 1981. Since then, organizations around the world have been involved in events to draw attention to forced prostitution, sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence against women. Almost 20 years later, in 1999, the United Nations recognized 25 November as the International Day against Violence against Women.

Why are buildings lit up in orange on November 25?

Orange is the symbolic color of Remembrance Day. It stands for a future without violence against women. Landmarks and buildings around the world are illuminated, including the Federal Palace. November 25 is therefore also known as “Orange Day”.

Why is December 10 so important for human rights?

Almost exactly 75 years ago, on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. This was the first time that fundamental human rights were laid down that must be protected universally. The declaration comprises 30 articles. They postulate, among other things, the right to life, liberty and security, freedom of conscience, religion and opinion, the prohibition of slavery and torture, the right to work, education and health. In 1950, December 10 was declared an international day of remembrance.

And what is Switzerland’s role? Since when have the 16 days of action also taken place here?

Switzerland has only been celebrating the days since 2008. At that time, the feminist peace organization cfd launched the campaign for the first time in Switzerland. Since then, around 180 human rights organizations have participated every year with a wide range of activities and events. This year, the campaign days will also be held in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino for the first time.

Which topic is the focus this year?

From November 25 to December 10, the campaign will focus on psychological violence. Psychological violence encompasses a range of violent acts: Insults, humiliation, threats, stalking, intimidation, death threats, prohibitions and control. Psychological violence is often closely linked to social discrimination. This year’s focus topic is intended to make the mostly invisible form of violence visible.

Links:
“16 days of action against violence against women” – official website
https://www.16tage.ch/de

November 25: International Day against Violence against Women (English)
https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

December 10: Human Rights Day (English)
https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day