As the world celebrates the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, South Sudan Women’s Network has started 16 days of activism on issues affecting women.

The activist group says it is working with government on family laws that could discourage violence against women.

During the 16 days of activism, Dr. Priscila Joseph Kuch says her group will make awareness campaigns in residential areas on fair and human treatment of women.

“People will look into the existing laws as activists, whether these laws are active,” said Dr Kuch. “Now people are working on family laws to reduce such things.”

Dr. Priscila says all forms of violence against women should be brought to an end.

According to the United Nations, 35% of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries.

It is estimated that up to 30 million girls under the age of 15 remain at risk from FGM/C, and more than 130 million girls and women have undergone the procedure worldwide.

Worldwide, more than 700 million women alive today were married as children, 250 million of whom were married before the age of 15. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to complete their education and more likely to experience domestic violence and complications in childbirth.

The costs and consequence of violence against women last for generations.

“Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue,” says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.