Macron vows to combat sexism 'sickness'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday proposed a raft of measures to combat "horrific and shameful" violence against women, as leaders and activists around the globe spoke out on the issue.

"Our entire society is sick with sexism," Macron said in Paris, pledging to make gender equality a major theme of his administration.

He spoke as rallies were held from Brazil to Kosovo to mark the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is intended to raise awareness of the dangers women face.