The Foreign Office is emphasizing the urgent need to address violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a top priority, according to Yvette Cooper. This shift in focus aims to combat the increasing instances of conflict-related sexual violence, online harms, and systemic abuse that impact women globally.
On International Women’s Day, the Foreign Secretary highlighted that one in three women worldwide will face sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime. Ms. Cooper stressed the alarming rise in technology-enabled and online violence, stating that the number of women affected by or near conflict zones has nearly doubled in the past 15 years. She pointed out that the crisis extends beyond individual countries, encompassing conflicts in Ukraine, women’s rights setbacks in Iran, and the proliferation of online violence.
Recognizing the crucial role of women in promoting peace, security, and prosperity, the Foreign Secretary declared women and girls a standalone priority within the FCDO and a focal point of UK foreign policy. Last year, the UK government unveiled its most significant crackdown on VAWG to date, with a commitment to halve cases within a decade. This strategy includes substantial funding of £1 billion to support victims, offering enhanced survivor assistance, initiatives to address misogyny in educational settings, and empowering law enforcement to combat offenders.
During a visit to Chad, the Foreign Secretary announced a £20 million allocation to aid survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in accessing medical and psychological support in Sudan. This move underscores the government’s dedication to tackling VAWG on both national and international fronts.