Anne Hathaway speaks at International Women’s Day event at the U.N.

(CBS, KYMA) - Actress Anne Hathaway spoke at an International Women's Day event Monday.

Hathaway, who is the U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador, delivered an impassioned speech about gender-based violence, reminding the audience of several painful and public examples of women who have suffered around the world.

During the speech, Hathaway also celebrated the resilience of women who chose action instead of silence.

"Friends, our choosing to celebrate today does not signal that we are here to accommodate injustice. No. Our celebration today affirms our determination to outlast it," Hathaway expressed.

Singer Michelle Williams performed her song "Fearless," later telling the assembly they're all gathered to elevate, defend and advance the rights of girls and women everywhere.