8 MARCH 2009
International Women’s Day 2009 tackles violence against women

Each year on 8 March, the UN observes International Women’s Day. The focus in 2009 is on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s campaign to end violence against women and girls. In his message to mark this occasion, Mr Ban warns that violence against women stands in direct contradiction to the aims of the UN and 'mars lives, destroys health and perpetuates poverty'.

Click here to visit the official UN website for International Women’s Day 2009.

Violence against women is a global problem.

• Worldwide, one in five women will become a victim of actual or attempted rape.
• Over 80 per cent of trafficked people are female.
• Half the women who die from homicides are killed by current or former husbands or partners.
• In the UK, according to government statistics, an average of two women die each week as a result of domestic violence.

Click here to find out more about violence against women.

The Secretary-General admits that changing mindsets will not be easy. Urging people and government to unite behind the campaign, Mr Ban says, 'We must work together to state loud and clear, at the highest level, that violence against women will not be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance.'

Click here to read the Secretary-General’s message for International Women’s Day 2009.

Click here for ideas on actions that individuals, organisations and governments can take to support this campaign.