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Special Features
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – November 25, 2009

Background

In recognition of The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, NASW invites you to take action to help spread awareness of and put an end to violence against women.  This day was initiated by the UN to be an occasion for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. It has been observed on November 25 each year since 2000.

The Role of Social Workers

The social work profession is committed to social justice and ending oppression of all people.  Social work has a long-standing commitment to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.  Violence against women remains a continuing problem that affects all women, regardless of race, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, or any other identifying characteristic (NASW 2009).

NASW has supported the International Violence against Women Act (IVAWA) and has advocated for U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).   NASW encourages social workers to become active advocates for the rights of women.  For more information about how to get involved in advocacy on these issues, see below.

Take Action

Get informed

• NASW outlines a number of critical international women’s rights issues and provides background on IVAWA
• The United Nations provides an overview of CEDAW and the Text of the Convention
• Amnesty International offers some background on CEDAW

Get involved 

• United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. It is a global call for action.  Check out the organizer’s toolkit to start an action, search for events near you or add your name to the global call to end violence against women.
• Write to your Senators - Join NASW’s Campaign to Support U.S. Ratification of CEDAW
• Join the Women Thrive and UNIFEM Campaigns to Support IVAWA

References

National Association of Social Workers (2009). Women’s Issues Policy. Social Work Speaks, National Association of Social Workers Policy Statements, 2009-2012 (8th ed., pp 367-373). Washington, DC:  NASW Press.

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