Permanent Secretary for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Ethel Sigimanu, says violence against women and girls is a concern on every continent and in every culture.

Mrs Sigimanu made the statement this morning while officially launching the 16 days Activism Campaign against Gender-based violence during a ceremony held at the Art Gallery.

The Annual event kicked off with a parade from the Women's Development Division Office in Chinatown to the Art Gallery in Point Cruz.

Representatives of women organizations, senior government officers, donor agencies and youth groups turned up in good number early this morning to stage the parade with various banners and posters demanding an end to violence against women in the country.

Speaking to officially launch the 16 day campaign event, Permanent Secretary for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Ethel Sigimanu said violence against women and girls is a concern on every continent and in every culture.

The 16-day activism Campaign started last Friday with the International Day of Eliminating Violence against Women.

A recent study conducted by the Solomon Islands government and the SPC found an alarming high rate of gender based violence in many homes in the Solomon Islands.

The government has since put in place policies to curb this alarming statistic, with the assistance of donor partners.