Violence and crimes have been part and parcel of human history and evolution. Violence against women has been an inevitable component of this grim tale.

However sad and unfortunate it may seem, the cycle of such violence continues unabated even as we march forward in the 21^st century characterized by astounding technological advances that demonstrate the brilliant and positive capabilities of human mind. Right thinking people can never get reconciled to this sad but real paradox of the coexistence of the barbaric traits of man with his progressive brilliance.

It is in this context that the world observes today, 25 November, what is popularly known as White ribbon Day which is also designated by the UN as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW).

White Ribbon Day was created by a handful of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of one man’s massacre of fourteen women in Montreal Dec. 6, 1989:

The objective was to urge men to speak out and act against violence women face. 

Much earlier, beginning in 1981 women’s activists had marked 25 November as a day against violence. The date coincided with the brutal assassination in 1961of the three Mirabal sisters, who were dissident political activists in the Dominican Republic.

In December 1999, at their 54th Session, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring November 25th as the IDEVAW. This was done in recognition of the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for serious commitment by the world community to find tangible solutions. UN calls upon Governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize on that day activities to raise public awareness.  

Thus November 25 has in different ways become the focal point of human concern about the vexing and shameful issue of the violence and humiliation that women of all ages and races and classes.  The White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day. Wearing it is seen as a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women

In the words of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ‘Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world.  It is a threat to all women, and an obstacle to all our efforts for development, peace and gender equality in all societies.’

Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan called this violence against women ‘a global scourge that knows no boundaries of geography, culture or socio-economic status and occurs in times of armed conflict and in peace, at home, in the workplace and on the streets.’

Ignominious crimes against women continue to be committed everyday. Such violence assumes variety of forms, from domestic torture and abuse,  human trafficking to female infanticide , child marriages and so-called ‘honour killings’. Then there are blatant and subtle discriminations of all types.  

Shockingly most of the crimes involve close relatives including spouses. Worse still, women themselves are instrumental in carrying out or abetting these crimes. Dowry deaths and conflicts between mothers- in- law and daughters- in-law provide ample illustrations of this vicious circle of violence and humiliation. Unfortunately, fear and social stigma often prevent women from reporting incidents of injustice or seeking timely assistance.

 The White Ribbon worn by all /more an more people all over is a symbol of hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Wearing the ribbon is about challenging the acceptability of violence by getting men involved, helping women to break the silence, and encouraging everyone to come together to build a better world for all.