The statement made by the UN Secretary-General on International Women's Day highlighted that violence against women and children remains a major challenge across the world. In our country, we have put various pieces of legislation in place to protect women. Government has reintroduced family violence and child protection, as well as sexual offences units in all 176 policing areas countrywide. These units ensure effective access to justice for women and girls. South Africa is also proud of the global best practice model of the Thuthuzela Care Centres, which are recognised by the UN as an excellent best practice organisation to provide comprehensive, one- stop services for survivors of gender-based violence. A number of countries have adopted these models at their national level.