Since 1981, women’s rights activists have celebrated 25 November as a day against gender-based violence. This date was chosen to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, three Dominican Republic political activists who were brutally murdered by the order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961), in 1960.

On 20 December 1993, the General Assembly, by Resolution 48/104, adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, opening the way for the eradication of violence against women and girls worldwide.

Finally, on 7 February 2000, the General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, formally designating 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, urging nations, international organisations and non-governmental organisations to join together and plan annual events aimed at increasing public awareness of the issue.