The Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, so designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1999. November 25 also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence during which, on December 6, Canada’s National Day of  Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is commemorated.

Every human being has a right to life without being subjected to violent behaviour. Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, proclaimed the oneness of mankind, teaching that there is no distinction between man and woman in the sight of God. There is no place for the dominance of one over the other. Bahá’u’lláh’s son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, said, "The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities of both body and mind. But the balance is already shifting…"

The Bahá’í International Community statements "Ending Violence Against Women" and "Beyond Legal Reforms: Culture and Capacity in the Eradicaton of Violence Against Women and Girls" identify the key role that education plays in the transformation to a violence-free society, from a Bahá’í perspective.