On November 25, the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been celebrated worldwide, but with greater reception in Latin America. This day was arranged by the UN in 1999 due to the increase in femicide and violent acts against women around the world. However, what is the real origin of this emblematic date for most feminists and what is the reason for mobilizations worldwide?
The story behind this date dates back to 1960, when three sisters, opponents of the former president’s government, Rafael Leónidas Trujillo of the Dominican Republic, were killed by direct orders on November 25 of the same year.
After the First Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Meeting, it was decided to honor Patria, Minerva and María Teresa, also known as ‘Mariposas’. Subsequently, in 1993, the UN General Assembly gave its support by approving the Declaration.
«Any act of gender-based violence that results in possible or actual physical, sexual or psychological harm, including threats, coercion or arbitrary prohibition of freedom, whether it occurs in public life or in the life private», said the international organization.
It was not until 1999 that the designation of said date could be specified as a day of commemoration before the victims who daily suffer from different types of violence. However, despite the many mobilizations, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to suffer from the ravages of violence. At least 1 in 3 Latin American women has suffered from some type of violence.