UN launches programme to combat violence against women

Rallies and demonstrations have taken place around the world in support of the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women According to the UN, more than one third of women and girls worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives and thousand have lost their lives. This year the UN used the day to launch the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign which will last until Human Rights Day on 10 December. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his support saying that ending violence against women and girls is a top priority for the UN.