International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November): History, Significance, Laws and UPSC Relevance

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every year on 25 November to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and strengthen global efforts to prevent gender-based violence. The day highlights the need to protect women's rights, ensure access to justice and create a society free from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse.

The date also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs from 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day. Violence against women remains a serious human rights, public health and development concern. It affects women's safety, dignity, education, employment, health and participation in public life.

From a UPSC CSE perspective, this topic is relevant to GS Paper I (women-related issues and gender inequality), GS Paper II (constitutional safeguards, laws, policies and institutional mechanisms) and GS Paper IV (gender justice, dignity, equality and human rights).

History and Origin of the International Day

The observance has its roots in the struggle against political violence and gender-based oppression.

1. Assassination of the Mirabal Sisters (1960)

On 25 November 1960, three political activists from the Dominican Republic Patria, Minerva and María Teresa Mirabal, popularly known as the Mirabal Sisters were assassinated on the orders of the regime of Rafael Trujillo. They had opposed the dictatorship and participated in resistance activities. Their deaths became a symbol of resistance against violence and oppression.

2. Women's Rights Activists and the 25 November Observance (1981)

In 1981, activists at the Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentro in Bogotá, Colombia, began observing 25 November as a day against violence against women in memory of the Mirabal Sisters.

3. UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993)

On 20 December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through Resolution 48/104. The Declaration provided an internationally recognised definition of violence against women and called for efforts to eliminate such violence in both public and private life.

4. Official Recognition by the United Nations (1999)

On 7 February 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/134, officially designating 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The resolution invited governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations to organise awareness programmes and activities every year.

What is Violence against Women?

According to the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, 1993, violence against women refers to any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women. It includes threats, coercion and arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. Violence against women is not limited to physical assault. It also includes emotional abuse, economic control, sexual exploitation, harassment and technology-facilitated abuse.

Major Forms of Violence against Women

1. Physical Violence

Physical violence includes assault, beating, domestic abuse, acid attacks, honour-related violence and other acts causing bodily harm. Such violence can lead to serious injuries, long-term health complications and psychological trauma.

2. Sexual Violence

Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, forced sexual activity and other non-consensual sexual acts. It violates women's bodily autonomy, dignity and fundamental rights.

3. Domestic Violence

Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse within domestic relationships. It may involve intimidation, threats, isolation, controlling behaviour and denial of financial resources.

4. Psychological and Emotional Violence

Threats, humiliation, intimidation, constant monitoring, coercive control and verbal abuse can cause serious psychological harm. Such violence may not leave visible physical injuries but can have long-term consequences for mental well-being and independence.

5. Economic Violence

Economic violence includes restricting access to money, preventing women from working, controlling their earnings, denying financial resources and creating economic dependence. It limits women's ability to make independent decisions and leave abusive situations.

6. Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Digital violence has emerged as an important challenge with the expansion of internet access and social media.

It includes:

• Cyberstalking and online harassment.

• Non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

• Deepfake images and sexually explicit AI-generated content.

• Online threats, trolling and cyberbullying.

• Doxxing and unauthorised disclosure of personal information.

• Online impersonation and surveillance.

Digital abuse can extend into offline life through intimidation, blackmail, stalking and physical threats.

Status of Violence against Women in India

India has introduced constitutional safeguards, legislation and welfare programmes to address violence against women. However, domestic abuse, sexual violence, dowry-related harassment, workplace harassment and digital abuse continue to remain major concerns. According to National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-21, approximately 29.3% of ever-married women aged 18-49 years reported having experienced spousal violence, either physical or sexual.

This figure had declined from 31.2% in NFHS-4 (2015-16). However, the continued prevalence highlights the need for stronger prevention, reporting mechanisms, social awareness and institutional support. It is important to distinguish survey-based estimates from police-registered crime figures. Many incidents of violence remain unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, financial dependence and lack of awareness about legal remedies.

Constitutional Safeguards for Women in India

The Indian Constitution provides several provisions that protect women's equality, dignity, liberty and security.

These provisions establish the constitutional foundation for gender equality, women's protection and social justice.

Major Laws to Prevent Violence against Women in India

India has enacted several laws to address different forms of violence and discrimination against women.

1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

The Act provides civil remedies to women facing domestic violence.

It recognises different forms of domestic abuse, including:

• Physical abuse.

• Sexual abuse.

• Verbal and emotional abuse.

• Economic abuse.

It provides remedies such as protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders and compensation orders. The Act is significant because it recognises that domestic violence extends beyond physical assault.

2. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaced the Indian Penal Code with effect from 1 July 2024. It contains provisions dealing with offences against women, including:

These provisions provide criminal law mechanisms to address various forms of violence and harassment against women.

3. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act)

The POSH Act was enacted to prevent and address sexual harassment of women at workplaces. It was influenced by the Supreme Court's landmark Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) judgment.

Important provisions include:

• Establishment of Internal Committees at workplaces with ten or more employees.

• Local Committees at the district level for eligible complaints.

• Prevention and redressal of workplace sexual harassment.

• Employer responsibilities regarding workplace safety and awareness.

The Act applies across organised and unorganised sectors, subject to its provisions.

4. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

The Act prohibits the giving, taking and demanding of dowry. It aims to address dowry-related exploitation, harassment and violence against women.

5. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

The POCSO Act provides a gender-neutral legal framework for protecting children below 18 years from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. It is particularly important for addressing sexual violence against girls and ensuring child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial.

6. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Act provides a legal framework to prevent child marriages and protect children from the harmful consequences of early marriage. Child marriage can increase vulnerability to domestic violence, early pregnancy, educational discontinuation and economic dependence.

Important Supreme Court Judgements on Violence against Women

The judiciary has played an important role in expanding legal protections and recognising women's rights.

1. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997)

The Supreme Court laid down the Vishaka Guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at workplaces in the absence of specific legislation. These guidelines provided the foundation for the POSH Act, 2013.

2. Laxmi v. Union of India (2014)

The Supreme Court issued directions concerning the regulation of acid sales, compensation for acid attack survivors and medical assistance. The judgment strengthened efforts to prevent acid attacks and support survivors.

3. Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017)

The Supreme Court read down the exception relating to sexual intercourse with a wife below 18 years of age, holding that sexual intercourse with a minor wife falls within the criminal law framework concerning rape.

4. Aparna Bhat v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2021)

The Supreme Court issued directions against gender stereotypes in judicial orders and discouraged the use of practices such as asking sexual offence survivors to tie a rakhi to the accused as a condition of bail. The judgment emphasised sensitivity, dignity and gender justice in the administration of law.

Government Initiatives for Women's Safety and Protection

The Government of India has introduced several schemes and institutional mechanisms to support women facing violence and improve their access to justice.

1. Mission Shakti

Mission Shakti is an umbrella programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development aimed at women's safety, security and empowerment.

It has two major components:

• Sambal: Focuses on the safety and security of women.

• Samarthya: Focuses on women's empowerment.

2. One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme

One Stop Centres provide integrated support to women affected by violence.

Services include:

• Emergency and non-emergency medical assistance.

• Police facilitation.

• Legal assistance.

• Psycho-social counselling.

• Temporary shelter.

The initiative aims to provide multiple services through a coordinated support system.

3. Women Helpline - 181

The Women Helpline provides support to women facing violence and distress. It facilitates access to emergency services, counselling and other support mechanisms.

4. Emergency Response Support System - 112

The national emergencynumber 112 provides access to emergency assistance, including police, fire and medical services. Women facing immediate danger can use this service to seek urgent help.

5. SHe-Box Portal

The Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in August 2024. It provides a centralised platform for women to register workplace sexual harassment complaints and facilitates their forwarding to the appropriate Internal or Local Committee.

6. Nirbhaya Fund

The Nirbhaya Fund was established in 2013 to support initiatives aimed at improving the safety and security of women. It finances projects related to women's safety, emergency response, surveillance, infrastructure and support services.

Major Challenges in Eliminating Violence against Women

Despite constitutional guarantees and multiple laws, violence against women continues due to structural, social, economic and institutional barriers.

1. Patriarchal Mindsets and Gender Stereotypes

Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes, unequal power relations and gender stereotypes can normalise violence and restrict women's autonomy. The expectation that women should remain economically or socially dependent can also discourage them from reporting abuse.

2. Underreporting of Violence

Many incidents of domestic and sexual violence remain unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, family pressure, financial dependence and lack of awareness about legal remedies. The gap between actual prevalence and police-registered cases makes effective policy planning difficult.

3. Delays in Investigation and Justice Delivery

Delays in police investigations, medical procedures, trials and compensation can increase the suffering of survivors and weaken confidence in the justice system.

4. Economic Dependence

Women who lack independent income, property ownership, employment opportunities or access to financial resources may find it difficult to leave abusive situations. Economic dependence can therefore become a factor that perpetuates domestic violence.

5. Digital Violence and Emerging Technologies

Cyberstalking, deepfakes, online threats, image-based abuse and digital surveillance have created new forms of gender-based violence. Rapid technological developments can make identification of perpetrators, evidence preservation and cross-border enforcement more difficult.

6. Weak Implementation of Existing Laws

The existence of legislation does not automatically ensure protection. Inadequate awareness, insufficient institutional capacity, poor monitoring and lack of coordination can weaken implementation.

7. Intersectional Vulnerability

Women from marginalised communities, rural areas, economically weaker households and persons with disabilities may face additional barriers in accessing justice and support services.

Way Forward: Towards a Violence-Free Society

Eliminating violence against women requires a comprehensive approach that combines legal reform, social transformation, institutional accountability and economic empowerment.

• Strengthen law enforcement: Improve police training, investigation quality, forensic capacity and time-bound justice delivery.

• Improve survivor support: Expand access to medical care, counselling, legal aid, shelter and rehabilitation.

• Promote gender sensitisation: Integrate gender equality and respect for women's dignity into education and community awareness programmes.

• Ensure economic empowerment: Improve women's access to education, employment, financial resources, property and entrepreneurship.

• Address digital violence: Strengthen cybercrime reporting, digital literacy, evidence preservation and platform accountability.

• Improve institutional coordination: Strengthen cooperation among police, courts, healthcare institutions, One Stop Centres and local administrations.

• Promote community participation: Involve educational institutions, local bodies, civil society and community leaders in preventing gender-based violence.

• Ensure survivor-centred justice: Protect confidentiality, avoid victim-blaming and ensure that survivors are treated with dignity and sensitivity.

International Frameworks for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Several international agreements and frameworks guide global efforts to eliminate violence against women.

SDG Target 5.2 specifically aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking, sexual exploitation and other forms of exploitation.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and UPSC CSE Relevance

This topic is important for understanding gender justice, constitutional safeguards, governance mechanisms and human rights.

Prelims Pointers

Mains Relevance

Important Mains Question:

"Despite the existence of constitutional safeguards and comprehensive legal provisions, violence against women continues to remain a major challenge in India. Examine the structural and institutional factors responsible for this problem and suggest measures for effective prevention and redressal."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed?

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every year on 25 November. It aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote efforts to protect the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls.

2. Why is 25 November chosen for this observance?

The date commemorates the assassination of the Mirabal Sisters of the Dominican Republic on 25 November 1960. Women's rights activists began observing this date in 1981, and the United Nations officially recognised it in 2000 through Resolution 54/134.

3. What is the 16 Days of Activism campaign?

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that begins on 25 November and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. It aims to mobilise governments, organisations and communities to eliminate violence against women and girls.

4. Which constitutional article makes it a Fundamental Duty to renounce practices derogatory to women's dignity?

Article 51A(e) of the Indian Constitution makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women and promote harmony and common brotherhood.

5. Which law protects women from domestic violence in India?

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides civil remedies to women facing physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse in domestic relationships.

6. What is the POSH Act, 2013?

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides a legal framework to prevent and address sexual harassment at workplaces. It requires eligible workplaces to establish Internal Committees for complaint redressal.

Conclusion

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds the world that women's safety, dignity and equality are essential conditions for a just and democratic society. Legal provisions alone cannot eliminate violence unless they are supported by effective enforcement, accessible justice, social awareness and economic empowerment.

For India, the way forward lies in moving beyond a protection-oriented approach towards a society where women can exercise their rights freely, participate equally in public life and live without fear. Ending violence against women is not merely a women's issue; it is a constitutional, developmental and human rights imperative.

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