16 Days of Activism

The date – November 25th, was chosen to commemorate the brutal assassination of the Mirabal sisters in 1960. The sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa Mirabal—were political activists in the Dominican Republic who opposed the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Their courage and resistance against the regime made them symbols of defiance. On November 25, 1960, they were assassinated by Trujillo’s henchmen, an act that sparked outrage and highlighted the extent of violence against women.

Their sacrifice shines as a beacon of defiance against oppression and a stark reminder of the pervasive violence faced by women worldwide.

Their legacy compels us to act. Violence against women and girls is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal failure. It erodes families, communities, and futures. Yet, we have the power to change this narrative.

As we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, let the story of “Las Mariposas” inspire us to take decisive action:

Educate ourselves and others about the roots of gender-based violence and the systems that perpetuate it.

Advocate for laws and policies that protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent violence.

Speak out against harmful norms and practices in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Support survivors by providing safe spaces, resources, and listening ears.

The fight against gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. Together, we can honor the Mirabal sisters’ memory by building a world where no one lives in fear because of their gender.

The Mirabal sisters, also known as “Las Mariposas” (The Butterflies), became a powerful symbol of the fight against violence and oppression. Their story was immortalized in literature.

Let us rise as “Butterflies” of justice and transformation. The time to end violence is now.

…Barr. Adaeze J. Olise