It’s that time of year again, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and a time when there is a light shone on the work that we do across the sector every day of the year. Each year feels more and more urgent in our fight to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV), which is why this is a great time to reflect on the history of this campaign and the women that came before us to inspire us to keep strong in this fight.
16 Days of Activism begins on 25th November with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and has been marked annually, on an international basis since 1999- although the history behind the day pre-dates this. The day commemorates the death of 3 sisters who were activists against gender-based violence and oppression.
Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa were three sisters who lived in the Dominican Republic whilst the country was under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Rafael Trujillo’s reign was extremely brutal. Those who stood in his way were imprisoned, tortured and murdered. In the late 1930’s, Trujillo ordered a racially motivated mass murder of thousands of Haitians who were living in the Dominican Republic. His reign lasted 31 years, and his power suppressed many citizens and their rights in a totalitarian regime. Trujillo would often employ people to find young girls for him to exploit.
The three Mirabal Sisters actively opposed the cruel and systematic violence of Rafael Trujillo’s reign, and led an underground movement to challenge his regime. They had a fourth sister, Dede, who did not join them in the activism. The Mirabal Sisters all experienced threats from Rafael Trujillo-he would often order people to arrest and harass them.
In their campaigning to bring awareness to Trujillo’s actions, the Mirabal sisters produced and distributed leaflets, which named the individuals that he had killed. On the 25th of November 1960, Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa were clubbed to death by individuals sent by Rafael Trujillo. Their bodies were put into the jeep belonging to the sisters, which was run off the road with the intention of making it look like an accident.
‘’If they kill me, I’ll reach my arms out from the tomb and I’ll be stronger.” Minerva Mirabal.
The murder of the three Mirabal sisters sparked a public outrage, which in part lead to the assassination of Rafael Trujillo 6 months later by former allies.
The Mirabal sisters became symbols of democratic and feminist resistance. They became known as ‘Las Mariposas’ which translates to ‘The Butterflies’. Dede Mirabal dedicated her time to commemorating her sister’s memories and keeping their work evolving. In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated the 25th of November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in their honour.
The Mirabal Sisters have left a lasting impression on women today. Their feminist resistance is still important today.
As we mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we are reminded of the urgent need for tangible change. This year, more than ever, we need to focus on the need to invest in funding for services working towards ending violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Solutions to end violence are not out of reach, they require a commitment to invest in long-term and consistent support that can truly create Change That Lasts.
How You Can Make a Difference
This 16 Days of Activism, we invite you to join us in raising your voice and demanding action. Here’s how you can help:
- Engage with Decision-Makers: Contact your local MP and demand increased funding for VAWDASV services. It’s time to hold our leaders accountable for their promises.
- Use Your Voice: Share information, raise awareness, and challenge harmful stereotypes in your community. Social media can be a powerful tool for change.
- Support Local Organisations: Donate to or volunteer with local specialist services. They are the frontline in the fight against gender-based violence and need your help now more than ever.
- Educate and Empower Others: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the support needed to end violence against women. Listen to and share the stories of survivors to help challenge harmful stereotypes and highlight the importance of specialist support.
Investing to prevent gender-based violence is not just a matter of funding, it’s a matter of priorities. We cannot build a world free from violence if we don’t commit to ensuring the right resources are in place for prevention, support, and long-term change.
Join us this 16 Days of Activism in demanding investment in a future where women and girls are safe, supported, and free from violence.