The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed annually on 25 November to raise global awareness about the issue of violence against women. This date marks the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, which concludes on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
What the day is for
- Raising awareness: The day is dedicated to highlighting all forms of violence against women, which can include physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm.
- Promoting action: It calls for global action to end violence against women and girls and to support survivors.
- Starting point for 16 Days of Activism: It serves as the starting point for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that continues until 10 December to demand a world free from violence.
Why the day is important
- Violence against women is a pervasive human rights violation that happens in all communities.
- The UN defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.
- It has devastating consequences for women’s physical and mental well-being and prevents them from fully participating in society.
For campaigns and awareness
- UN Women: Offers a comprehensive 16 Days of Activism campaign with resources, a virtual knowledge centre, and campaign materials. You can access the “Orange the World” campaign logo for promotional activities here and selecting Join The Campaign
- White Ribbon: Provides resources for White Ribbon Day 2025 with a focus on encouraging men and boys to speak up against sexism and violence. They offer a free resource page and exclusive materials for their supporters.
- Unite the Union: Provides downloadable resources including a stop domestic violence pledge, posters, and a bystander intervention training guide.
For online and safety resources
- UN Women: Offers a guide to online safety, including how to spot digital abuse and protect yourself online, with a global list of helplines and resources.
- Hourglass: Provides a helpline for support, information on donating, and resources for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on their website.
Where’s Our Safe Leave? – Rally at Stormont
📅 Date: Tuesday, 25 November
🕧 Time: 12:30pm
📍 Location: Steps of Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate
What is Safe Leave?
The Safe Leave Act was passed by the NI Assembly in 2022 and among other provisions, gives a new right of 10 days paid leave to workers who have been victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
Why is Safe Leave important?
Based on the quarterly statistical bulletins provided by the PSNI on recorded domestic abuse incidents and crimes, there have been over 100,000 domestic abuse incidents reported to the police in the three and a half years since the Safe Leave Act became law. In that time, 17 homicides with a domestic abuse motivation were recorded by the PSNI. Safe leave won’t solve this, but it will offer much needed support to workers, mostly women, who need to take time off work to see a solicitor for example, or a Doctor, or to leave a violent situation.
Why haven’t we got safe leave yet?
The Act passed in 2022, the consultation wrapped up in 2024, there is still no confirmation from the Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald about when the rights will be introduced.
What can trade unions do?
Trade unions campaigned for this new leave for years and now we want it delivered.
You can:
• Support the Where’s our Safe Leave Rally on 25th November at 12.30 at Parliament Buildings, Stormont
• Write to the Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald to ask Where is our Safe Leave at caoimhe.archibald@mla.niassembly.gov.uk and Private.Office@economy-ni.gov.uk
• Contact your MLA to write to the Minister to ask her to bring forward the legislation. Find out who your MLA is https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mla/
• Print out one of the below posters, take a picture of yourself and post it to social media.
Thanks for your support for this life saving legislation.
