In 1991, the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership called for an international campaign entitled 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence (also known as 16 Days of Action For The Elimination of Violence Against Women). The period of 16 days was chosen to link several key dates, starting on 25th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ending on International Human Rights Day, December 10th.
25th November: Anniversary of the assassination of the Mirabel Sisters
In 1960 three Dominican women were executed by the dictator Rafael Trujillo. The Mirabel sisters fiercely opposed Trujillo as a consequence they were imprisoned, tortured, and eventually killed. Six months later, Trujillo himself was assassinated, and the Mirabel sisters were acknowledged as national heroines. Latin Americans commemorated the women on the anniversary of their death, and used the day to bring attention to violence against women as of global concern.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
In 19th October 1999, a representative of the Dominican Republic came to the United Nations to ask for global recognition of 25th November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The UN General Assembly agreed to “invite worldwide organisation of activities on that day to raise awareness of the problem of violence against women.”
1st December: World AIDS Day
Since 1988, World AIDS Day has raised awareness about HIV and AIDS across the globe.
From the UN AIDS website: “The effects of gender inequality leave women and girls more at risk of exposure to HIV. Less access to education and economic opportunity results in women being more dependent on men in their relationships, and many who have no means of support must resort to bartering or selling sex to support themselves and their children. Where women can’t own property and lack legal protections, their dependence within their families is even greater.”
6th December: Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre
In 1989, fourteen women at the École Polytechnique in Montreal were shot and killed, and several others wounded. Marc Lépine was a lone gunman who expressed his hatred of feminists before releasing fire. The massacre only stopped when Lépine shot himself in the head. Many view the tragedy as a symbol of male violence against women. Canadians commemorate the tragedy on 6th December every year, and the White Ribbon Campaign was founded by men in 1991 in response. There is also a UK branch of the White Ribbon Campaign, and in some countries 25th November is known as White Ribbon Day.
10th December: International Human Rights Day
10th December marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
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