As work continues to eliminate the scourge of violence against women, there is need to increase the messengers to ensure all the cultural custodians are speaking out.

Speaking in support of the of the International Women’s Day theme, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”, Acting Director of UN Women, Joan French stressed that the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign gives a framework for collective action to end gender based violence.

“It doesn’t speak only to UN agencies. No, it calls on all of us to take responsibility, to stand up speak out and take action…

Message for International Women’s Day 2013 
by Michelle Bachelet, UN Women Executive Director  

Today on International Women’s Day I join every individual who believes that change is possible. We are guided by a founding principle of the United Nations: the equal rights of men and women. 

All around the world, our voices are rising, and silence and indifference are declining. Change is possible. And change is happening.