UN chief calls for end to violence against women

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday reiterated his urgent call to bring an end to violence against women as the United Nations began a series of events to mark International Women's Day.

"Violence against women is thus an attack on all of us, on the foundation of our civilization.

It destroys health and perpetuates poverty. It strikes against equality and empowerment. It contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases."

He added that violence against women is an "abomination" and stands against everything in the UN Charter.

The secretary-general, who last year launched a global campaign called "Unite to End Violence Against Women," cited statistics of one in five women worldwide suffering from rape or attempted rape, while in some nations, up to one in three women are beaten or abused.

Meanwhile, the secretary-general also underscored the importance of men speaking out against the scourge, teaching each other that " 'real men don't hit women,' let alone rape them."

He appealed for greater cooperation to end violence against women, emphasizing that "the time to change is now."