The Foreign Secretary revealed the change is aimed at tackling rising conflict‑related sexual violence, online harms, and systemic abuse that continues to limit women worldwide
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a “global emergency” that should be a standalone priority for the Foreign Office, Yvette Cooper has announced.
The Foreign Secretary revealed the change is aimed at tackling rising conflict‑related sexual violence, online harms, and systemic abuse that continues to limit women worldwide.
Announcing the new standalone priority on International Women’s Day, the Foreign Secretary highlighted that one in three women globally will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime.
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Ms Cooper also warned that technology ‑enabled and online violence is rising at unprecedented scale and speed. Speaking to this newspaper, she said: “Violence against women and girls is a global emergency. The number of women living in or close to conflict zones has almost doubled in the past 15 years. In Sudan, where there is a humanitarian crisis on the most appalling scale, a war is being waged on women’s bodies. But the emergency goes far beyond one country.
“From the conflict in Ukraine, to the disturbing rollback of women’s rights in Iran, to new forms of online violence crossing borders at unprecedented scale, the world cannot afford to look away. That is why as Foreign Secretary, I’m making women and girls a standalone priority for the FCDO and putting them at the heart of UK foreign policy. There can be no peace, security or prosperity without women playing their full part, free from violence and free from fear.”
Last year the Government announced the biggest clampdown on VAWG in British history. Labour came to power pledging to halve cases within a decade, and its strategy is backed up by £1billion in funding for victims.
It includes increased support for survivors, steps to tackle misogyny in schools and greater powers for police and the courts to tackle perpetrators. Last month on a visit to Chad the Foreign Secretary announced £20 million of new UK funding to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to access medical and psychological support in Sudan.