"Speak up and speak out"

The United Nations is urging people to “speak up” and “speak out” about violence against women and girls during a 16 day campaign. Over the last 2 weeks people all over the world have been uniting to campaign for an end to sexual violence against women and girls.

The 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th

The theme for 2010 is “Structures of Violence: Defining the Intersections of Militarism and Violence Against Women”

"We must protect women and children from sexual violence. No one has the right to assault women or use rape as a weapon of war."

Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and is using her voice to speak out on behalf of victims.

"Violence against women and children is a crime against humanity. Victims want justice. Let’s stop impunity. Let’s insist on justice.

The primary victims of sexual violence are women. They are physically abused, humiliated and stigmatized. They are often rejected by their husbands and families and made homeless. They need everyone's support to rebuild their lives."

The 16 days campaign comes to an end on December 10th, International Human Rights Day.

Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report.