Women's groups have again called for the eradication of violence against women, in light of today's celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

"It is critical that we as a society see violence against women for what it is, potentially a breach of the human rights of half our population," said Faith Webster, acting executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs.

"This should help to inspire us to continue and intensify the work towards minimising this most worrisome problem by exercising an unwavering zero-tolerance approach," Mrs. Webster added.

Take control

The Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) has encouraged all women to "embrace yourself, love yourself and take control".

Pat Ramsay, chairman of the WLI, said the incident of violence against women is a constant reminder of the dangers that women face each day.

"But let us not be crippled by fear. Let us embrace life and live it to the fullest," she charged.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Portia Simpson urged citizens to speak out against the "persistent dehumanising violation of the rights of women and girls.

"It is my fervent hope that the nation - men, women, boys and girls - will all join hands in the fight to eliminate all forms of violence against women, so we can reduce the necessity to observe November 25 as International Day Against Violence Against Women in years to come," said the Prime Minister.