by Sr. Teresa Linda, Director of Domus Nostra, Italy (Region of Southern Europe)

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly in honor of the three Mirabal sisters who were brutally murdered in the Dominican Republic on 25 November 1960 because they promoted a movement of rebellion and liberation from the abuses of the country’s dictator.

This year, to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, mission partners at Domus Nostra in Quinto di Treviso, Italy, together with civil society associations and local primary schools, reinterpreted the courageous story of these sisters, known as the ‘Three Courageous Butterflies.’

Through a Liberated Dreams Workshop, the primary school children were enthralled by the story, which was prepared and shared by the entire team at Domus Nostra: sisters, partners-in-mission, and the women we assist through our Good Shepherd Hospitality Space, Center of Women Free from Violence, and other services dedicated to the protection of women victims of violence and their children.

The story of these three brave Mirabal sisters aroused new emotions and feelings in the children, which they were accompanied to express through words or actions such as drawing or body movement.

All those involved embraced the message of hope to build a more just and reconciled world, free from violence – a message that is at the heart of the Good Shepherd mission and the Congregation’s Position Papers.

The children returned home with wildflower seeds that they were asked to plant and grow wherever they wished as a symbol of the opportunity for anyone, anywhere, to contribute to the protection of the lives of girls, women, children, and all vulnerable people.