The UK government has announced a new drive to tackle violence against women and girls to mark International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
International Development Secretary, Priti Patel announced that Britain is stepping up its efforts as a global leader in the fight to eradicate violence against women and girls.
The new drive will help to protect women and girls in some of the world’s poorest countries from harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and domestic abuse.
An additional £2.75 million will be donated to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, benefiting over 500,000 women. It will support organisations across the world to tackle gender-based violence, improve access to services such as legal assistance, and to strengthen laws and policies protection women and girls.
The government will also work with a range of innovative grassroots organisations with local knowledge and expertise. A further £3 million has been given to Amplify Change, a multi-donor working for universal sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Speaking about the announcement, Patel said, “We cannot and will not tolerate any form of violence against women and girls.”
“Britain is leading international efforts across 300 countries to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms; from ending Female Genital Mutilation and child marriage to preventing domestic abuse.”
“UK aid already helps survivors in some of the world’s poorest countries get the care they need – now we are stepping up our global leadership and support to protect even more women and girls and address the root causes of violence.”
International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women aims to raise public awareness and drive people around the world to bring about change.
Gender-based violence is a systematic and widespread human rights violation, harming one in three women and girls worldwide. It stops girls getting an education, prevents women from earning a wage and causes physical and mental harm.
