End violence against women, says UN chief

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
THE right of women and girls to live free of violence is inalienable and fundamental, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says.
In a statement to mark International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, he said the day was observed globally with the challenge to ensure that the message of “zero tolerance” was heard. 
He urged governments and global partners to work together and contribute ideas and leadership of young people to help end the pandemic of violence.
“We must engage all of society – and especially young people; young men and boys must be encouraged to become the advocates of violence against women and girls and by taking action to end it they can help break the ingrained behaviour of generations.”
He said the most violence women and girls receive are mostly inflicted by men.
The day was declared by UN as a worldwide campaign to reduce and
eliminate violence against
women and girls and recognise their rights to a safe environment and equal opportunities. 
He said violence against
women and girls took many forms and was widespread worldwide.
He said it included rape,
domestic violence, harassment at work, abuse in school, female genital mutilation and sexual violence in armed conflicts.
“Violence – and in many cases the mere threat of it – is one of the most significant barriers to women’s equality.
“On this day, I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence and only then we can have a more just, peaceful and equitable world,” he said.