November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Every year since 2000, the international community has marked the date to reaffirm its commitment to the principle that violence against women is a violation of human rights.
The global observance marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which end on International Human Rights Day, December 10.
Gender-based violence “cuts across ethnicity, race, class, religion, educational level, international borders,” said Melanne Verveer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s Issues. Violence “affects girls and women at every point in their lives,” from girl infanticide to human trafficking, to domestic violence and dowry-related murder.
The Obama administration is committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence as a cornerstone of advancing gender equality.