Nairobi — Violence against women remains a major challenge to the realisation of gender equity in Kenya today, a lobby group has said.

As the world begins to observe the 16-day of activism to end violence against women Tuesday, the Coalition on Violence against Women (COVAW) called for a change in attitude towards women.

COVAW executive director Ms Mary Njeri, speaking during the launch, called on the courts to implement the Sexual Offences Act 2006 to the letter to deter future cases of gender-based violence

During the campaign, COVAW will hold an event each day day at different locations.

"We'll be having activities daily to get people from different backgrounds to talk about gender violence. All our activities will be linked to national events," said Ms Njeri.

Among the activities the group has lined up include taking part in the World Aids Day to be marked on December 1.

The director also added the activities will talk about the draft constitution, which is currently being debated by the public for 30 days.

Covaw also plans to launch its National Campaign strategy within the 16-days.

The 16-Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence against Women run from the November 25 to the December 10, which is International Human Rights Day recognising that women's rights are human rights.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations formal recognition of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The date also commemorates the anniversary of the brutal murder of three sisters, named Mirabel, who were killed in the Dominican Republic, in 1960 for their political activism and outspoken resistance to the regime at that time.