Violence against women is there in all countries: Ashley Judd

Bhubaneswar: Noting that violence and discrimination against women is there in all countries and cultures, American actor Ashley Judd today said women should have control of their own body, sex, and fertility.

"I was sexually assaulted as a seven-year-old. The violence and discrimination against women is pervasive in all countries and cultures. Women should have control of their own body, sex, and fertility," Judd said after receiving the KISS Humanitarian Award, 2016 here at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences.

Besides being a prominent action Judd is also know for her social work and as the Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Odisha Governor S C Jamir presented the award to Judd at a function attended by Justice Dr Dalveer Bhandari, Judge, International Court of Justice, The Hague, Madhu Bhandari, Diego Palacios, UNFPA India Country Representative and Country Director, Bhutan and several others.

"Human Rights are under challenge all over the world and we need champions like Ashley Judd now more than ever," Jamir said describing her as a tireless champion of women rights.

Judd, who has played lead roles in Hollywood hits like Ruby in Paradise, Where the Heart is, Kiss the Girls and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, said the award has furthered her appetite to work for the downtrodden.

Judd's initial work revolved around AIDS in Africa.

She is strongly committed to the cause of social justice, poverty eradication and sustainable development and a passionate advocate of rights of the girl child and women.

Associated with numerous charities and foundations across the world, she was appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNFPA in 2016.

"This award is a recognition of her commitment to humanitarian causes," said Diego Palacios, informing that KISS and UNFPA have partnered to implement Life Skills Education programme in Odisha.