International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Violence and sexual abuse against women is the most pervasive, yet least recognised set of human rights violations in the world, it has been suggested.

According to the Population Media Center, there is an urgent need to address this problem, in order to empower women and advance health provision.

The institution says women continue to be discriminated against every day, with gender-based violence, forced marriage and childbearing, economic marginalisation and traditional practices such as female genital mutilation common, especially in the developing world.

It states: "To create a more sustainable society, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate subjugation of women.

"This will not only raise living standards, but it will allow for informed decisions about childbearing and family size."

Last week, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, claimed that investment must be made in young women around the world to end discrimination.