March 5 of every year, the global community comes together to celebrate International Women's Day in solidarity with women and to push for an end to violence against them.

According to a press release issued by the Office of the Resident Coodinator of the United Nations System, the theme for this year's celebration is: "United to End Violence Against Women". The release stated that the phenomenon cuts across cultural and religious barriers and directly affects the lives of millions of women and girls of all classes around the world.  "It comes in different forms, ranging from physical and mental abuse to domestic and sexual violence. Women are being beaten, trafficked, raped, killed or unwillingly subjected to circumcision."

According to the press release, these human rights violations do not only harm individuals, but that they also undermine the development, peace and security of entire societies and nations. "This threat is largely unreported for fear of stigmatisation or being ostracized by the family and society and ultimately prevents women from reporting incidents or seeking assistance," the release stated. It added that "an estimated 55-95 percent of women who have been physically abused by their partners have never contacted the police or seek help.''

The release went on: "To put an end to these violence calls for the collective effort of both men and women, citizens and leaders, the police and the Justice department by urging states andgovernments to honour their commitments by bringing partners to justice and redress to the victims." The Office of the Resident Coordinator's dispatch also pointed that it is in view of this that the United Nations System in The Gambia joined the government of The Gambia in solidarity with the United Nations global efforts, led by the  UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon, to put an end to violence against women.

''The UN system in collaboration with the government of The Gambia will organise a  photo and art exhibition showing women in different walks of life as well as a film show on violence against women,'' the release concluded.