November 25: A Global Call to End Violence Against Women

Written by: Sian Bitner-Kearney

Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed—often by someone she knows. Let that sink in. On November 25, the world unites for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a powerful reminder that gender-based violence is not just a statistic, it’s a global emergency.

The Reality We Must Confront

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. According to the United Nations (source):

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 adolescent girls globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.

• In 2023 alone, over 51,000 women were murdered by partners or family members.

·         70% of women in conflict, war, and humanitarian crisis, experience gender-based violence.

• Femicide and abuse are rising in both physical and digital spaces, exacerbated by conflict, displacement, and climate change.

This isn’t just happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and homes.

Why November 25 Matters

This day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, culminating on December 10, International Human Rights Day. It’s a time to raise our voices, challenge harmful norms, and demand accountability.

The UN’s UNiTE campaign calls for:

• Funding: Investing in prevention and survivor support.

• Accountability: Holding perpetrators responsible.

• National strategies: Implementing policies that protect women and girls.

Learn more about the campaign on the UN’s official site.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t need to be a policymaker to create change. Here’s how you can help:

Raise Awareness

• Share your survivor stories or share statistics on social media.

• Use hashtags like #NoExcuse and #OrangeTheWorld to amplify the message.

Support Organizations

• Donate to nonprofits like UN Women or local shelters.

• Volunteer your time or skills to survivor support services.

Educate & Advocate

• Host or attend community events, panels, or workshops.

• Push for better workplace policies and school programs that address harassment and abuse.

Wear Orange

Orange is the official color of the movement, symbolizing a brighter future free from violence. Rock it proudly on November 25.

Ending violence against women isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. It requires collective courage, unwavering empathy, and relentless action to create change. Whether you’re a survivor, an ally, or someone just learning about this cause, your voice matters – but your actions matter even more.

Let November 25 be more than a date. Let it be a turning point. Let it be an end to violence against women.

Are you ready to be the change? Share this message far and wide. Then, choose one bold step you’ll take this month, whether it’s speaking up, donating, volunteering, or simply listening with compassion. Every action matters. Every voice counts.

Because when we rise together, we rewrite the story. We build a world where every woman steps into her power without fear, without shame, and without limits.