International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2026
A UN day calling for an end to violence against women and girls, which opens the 16 Days of Activism ending on Human Rights Day.
Quick facts
- Date
- November 25
- Day of the week
- Wednesday in 2026
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1999
- Established by
- United Nations General Assembly
- Led by
- UN Women
- Symbol
- Orange
- Hashtag
- #OrangeTheWorld
Overview
Observed on November 25, the day raises awareness that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It begins the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which run until December 10, Human Rights Day. Orange is used as the campaign colour.
History
The date honours the three Mirabal sisters, political activists murdered in the Dominican Republic on November 25, 1960. Women's rights activists marked the date from 1981, and in 1999 the UN General Assembly designated it an international day.
- 1960The Mirabal sisters are killed in the Dominican Republic.
- 1991The 16 Days of Activism campaign begins.
- 1999The UN General Assembly designates November 25.
How to celebrate
Wear orange
Show support for a world free from violence.
Know where to get help
Learn the helpline numbers in your country and share them.
Challenge harmful attitudes
Speak up against jokes or behaviour that excuse violence.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Orange the world. 🧡 #OrangeTheWorld
End violence against women now.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 25 | Wednesday | 23 |
| 2027 | November 25 | Thursday | 388 |
| 2028 | November 25 | Saturday | 754 |
| 2029 | November 25 | Sunday | 1,119 |
| 2030 | November 25 | Monday | 1,484 |
| 2031 | November 25 | Tuesday | 1,849 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
Every year on November 25.
What are the 16 Days of Activism?
A campaign from November 25 to December 10 against gender-based violence.
Last updated November 2, 2026