"There has been a huge reluctance by the international community to engage on the issue of gender based violence," according to a UN expert speaking in Dublin today.
Dr Yakin Erturk, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, continued by saying that gender based violence was in fact "probably the most widespread human rights abuse".
Dr Erturk made her comments at the launch of a photo exhibition Broken Bodies - Broken Dreamsto mark International Women's Day.
The exhibition, documenting cases of violence against women, will run in Filmbase, Temple Bar until 20th March.
At the launch the Minster for State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, Conor Lenihan, also presented a CD-rom documenting the scale of violence against women.
"I now hope that when development agencies and Government Departments send personnel on missions abroad, they access this film. By becoming aware of gender-based violence, they will be in a better position to respond to it," Minister Lenihan said.
"We intend to become international advocates on this issue, with a view to mobilising global institutions and other Governments," he added.
"This Irish initiative to take leadership on this abuse is crucial. I am very heartened by the determination of all the groups involved to really make progress.
Today's event was organised by a consortium of 11 human rights, humanitarian and development organisations working in tandem with two Government Departments.
"Ireland is a respected player in the area of human rights. I know that it will be listened to when it starts demanding global action to end this gross violation of human rights," Dr Erturk added.
Earlier this morning the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, hosted a breakfast in the National Gallery to celebrate the International Women's Day.
At the breakfast the Minister noted the lack of women in decision making positions and said that it was an area of Irish life where the participation of women could be and should be better.
"While considerable progress had been made in advancing the role of women in Ireland, particularly through a strong body of equality legislation, there is still a need to take proactive action in some areas," the Minister said.
Green Councillor, Bronwen Maher, said the Government urgently needed to address the ongoing issue of poverty and women and called for a stronger representation of women in key decision making positions.
"More women in decision-making would help to ensure that issues such as higher rates of poverty among women are placed higher on the political agenda," Cllr Maher said.
Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh also accused the Government of failing to address ongoing inequalities experienced by women and said its record on the matter was "shameful". Deputy Ó Snodaigh called for Dáil time to be set aside to discuss "inequalities of earning, representation and participation in decision-making structures".
Meanwhile, the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) is Celebrating Women's Leadership at the National Library with guest speakers including Caroline Casey, recently appointed Irish Young Global Leader and founder of The Aisling Foundation and the 02 Ability Awards.
"International Women's Day is an opportunity for ordinary women from around the globe to appreciate the value of their own contribution to history - this is relevant for women young and old, from all societal groups," said deputy chairperson of the NWCI Marie Hainsworth.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Catherine Byrne is hosting a seminar on the theme Women's Access to Health Services in the Mansion House.
The event is to be opened by Fine Gael party leader Enda Kenny TD, and also be attended by Olivia Mitchell TD, Olwyn Enright TD, Lucinda Creighton, Frances Fitzgerald and Nicky McFadden, who will all contest the next general election for the party.
Yesterday, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions unveiled its agenda for women in the current partnership talks yesterday, addressing low pay for women workers, the low workforce participation of women over 30, pensions, childcare, the right to flexible working and additional paid leave entitlements.
