College of Law

Why did the United Nations designate November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

Here’s the story… Three sisters, Patricia, Maria Minervia, and Antonia, were the children of a successful businessman. They lived a comfortable, middle-class life with their fourth sister (who is still alive). They were political opponents of the Trujillo regime, which remained at the helm of power in Argentina until 1961, imposing absolute control over the country through a secret alliance with the Church, the aristocracy, and the press, while also maintaining a military-police state. The sisters later formed a movement that included a group of opponents of the Trujillo regime, known as the 14th of June Movement. Within this group, the Mirabal sisters were nicknamed “The Butterflies” for their efforts and youthful energy. However, Trujillo quickly ordered their arrest and that of their families. They were imprisoned and tortured. Later, after their release, the three sisters were brutally murdered on November 25th by unknown assailants. November later revealed that Trujillo was behind the assassination. The assassination of the Mirabal sisters was the final blow to Trujillo’s regime, and he himself was assassinated six months later.

Following the collapse of Trujillo’s regime, the memory of the Mirabal sisters was honored. Their surviving sister later transformed their childhood home into a museum dedicated to the deceased, housing their belongings and numerous books, documentaries, and films that commemorate them.

The United Nations designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in their honor.