When is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2026 is on Wednesday
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
November 25 every year. That's in 52 days.
until International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women begins, in your time zone
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a UN day that raises awareness of violence against women and girls and calls for prevention, justice and support for survivors. It also opens the yearly 16 Days of Activism.
About International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Violence against women takes many forms, including abuse by partners and family members, sexual violence, trafficking, harmful practices such as child marriage, and harassment and abuse online. On this day, UN agencies, governments, women's organizations and community groups hold events and campaigns that call for laws that are enforced, services survivors can reach and prevention programs.
Women's rights activists have marked November 25 as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. The date honors the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered in 1960 on the orders of the country's ruler, Rafael Trujillo. In 1993 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in resolution 48/104, and on December 17, 1999, it adopted resolution 54/134, officially designating November 25 as the international day.
The day starts the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which run until December 10, Human Rights Day. Activists at the first Women's Global Leadership Institute, held by the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University, launched that campaign in 1991. Since 2008 the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE campaign has supported the 16 days, and it asks people to wear orange and light up buildings in orange as a sign of hope for a future without violence.
Sources: United Nations: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, United Nations: Background, UN General Assembly resolution 54/134 (1999), UN Women: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline. How we check dates.
How to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
- Wear orange on November 25 or during the 16 days, and explain what it stands for if someone asks.
- Learn the warning signs of controlling or abusive relationships and how to respond if a friend confides in you.
- Save a domestic violence hotline number in your phone so you can share it quickly if someone needs it.
- Support a local shelter or women's organization with your time, needed supplies or a donation.
- Attend a local or online 16 Days event, or read the UN's campaign materials for this year's theme.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, November 25, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, November 25, 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, November 25, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, November 25, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, November 25, 2030 |
| 2031 | Tuesday, November 25, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2026?
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2026 is on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. It falls on November 25 every year. In 2027, it is on Thursday, November 25, 2027.
What are the 16 Days of Activism?
A yearly campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day, linking violence against women to human rights. It began in 1991 and is supported by the UN's UNiTE campaign.
Why is orange the color of the day?
The UN's UNiTE campaign uses orange to represent hope and a future free from violence against women and girls. People are invited to wear it, and landmarks are lit in orange during the 16 days.
Where can someone experiencing abuse get help?
Anyone in immediate danger should contact local emergency services. In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at any hour at 1-800-799-7233; in other countries, a doctor or a national women's organization can point to local services.
Is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women a public holiday?
No. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.