UN marks Violence Against Women day

[EDITORS November 25th is 'The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women']

The United Nations says gender inequality must be addressed worldwide to stop the cycle of abuse against women. 

Marking the international day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women the UN is working to reduce the assaults and sexual attacks. 

This year's commemoration comes as dozens of women in the United States have been speaking out against sexual harassment and assault.

Nick Harper reports from the UN in New York. 

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They're the marginalized and vulnerable - beaten, raped, even killed.
But the Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar are just one part of the staggering numbers affected.
The UN estimates 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
Often in societies were violence goes unpunished. As Maria Noel Vaeza from UN Women notes. 

SOT - Maria Noel Vaeza, UN Women: "The fact that there are one billion women suffering violence is because there's no sanctions. So men keep doing it. I believe very strongly in justice and I believe very strongly as well that sanctions can deter certain behavior."

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Young girls are also at risk. 120 million worldwide, or almost one in ten girls, have been raped, or forced to perform sexual acts. Here's Senior Advisor Child Protection at UNICEF Tasha Gill. 

SOT - Tasha Gill, UNICEF, Senior Advisor Child Protection: "One of the things that we do is to work with women and children to identify those areas in their communities where they feel most at risk, where they don't feel safe. In many communities girls and women walk long distances to fetch water for their families, and there are times when that jounrey puts them at risk."

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The UN headquarters in New York marked the international day with a special meeting.
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It comes off the back of a recent abuse allegations in the US against celebrities, politicians and journalists. Something the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made mention of. 

SOT - Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General: "The recent emergence of reports detailing sexual harassment in the workplace from many organizations and institutions worldwide shows how pervasive this form of sexual violence is. I have stressed a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment at the United Nations."

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But the UN itself has struggled with sexual abuse and exploitation. An investigation by the Associated Press earlier this year detailed almost 2000 allegations against peacekeepers and UN personnel over the last 12 years. The UN has no jurisdiction over peacekeepers, and alleged perpetrators often go unpunished.

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By having a single, dedicated day the United Nations hopes to galvanize support, raise awareness and encourage governments and societies worldwide to stop violence against women and girls.
But it says until the root cause of gender inequality is addressed, the problems and violence will remain.
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