Dundeen Ferguson - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Violence, whether sexual or physical, towards women is always of concern.

In 2006, 152 women were murdered in Jamaica. This was an apparent decrease, as in 2005, 188 females were killed; 20 children were murdered in 2005. It is against this backdrop that several local organisations, such as Woman Incorporated, are taking to the streets today, International Women's Day, calling for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

Dundeen Ferguson, past president at Woman Inc., said this spate of violence against women must be stopped. "Violence against women is not a segregated issue. It is happening everywhere, in our homes and in the communities," said Ms. Ferguson.

Global celebration

Every year, March 8 is marked as International Women's Day. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.

However, this year the United Nations is calling for 'Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls' as part of the day's celebrations. For 2007, more than 362 Women's Day events are planned in about 36 countries.

Woman Inc. has organised a march for the Corporate Area today where participantswill carry 746 purple ribbons. Each ribbon will represent a testimony of a reported rape case in 2005 to hang at Nelson Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree.

"This act of violence against women and girls is a cost to the economy and health sector. So we need to take it seriously," added Ms. Ferguson.

'This act of violence against women and girls is a cost to the economy and health sector. So we need to take it seriously.'

Activities planned to mark International Women's Day

1:00 p.m. - March and rally from Emancipation Park to Half-Way Tree (Nelson Mandela Park)

2:40 p.m. - Rally for 'Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls' at Nelson Mandela Park

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Jamaica Trade and Invest (formerly JAMPRO), in association with Women Travel First Class, will host Sip 'n' Tea and Sisterhood 'awaken the spirits' at Trade and Invest head office, 18 Trafalgar Road, in St. Andrew.

National Women's Summit at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew for three days, starting today.