On 20th May, the UK government released the UK’s new International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, and announced the launch of a new International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls.
Responding to the news, Bethan Cobley, MSI Reproductive Choices’ Director of External Affairs and Partnerships said:
“MSI Reproductive Choices welcomes the launch of the UK government’s new International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls and a new International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls.
“At a time when women’s rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights, are under growing attack globally, this signals an important continued commitment from the UK to protecting the rights, health and autonomy of women and girls around the world.
“Violence against women and girls is both a cause and a consequence of a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, trapping women in violent relationships and exacerbating abuse. Ensuring services are embedded throughout the UK’s approach to ending violence against women and girls will be essential to the success of this new strategy.
“In the face of shrinking global support for gender equality and reproductive rights and an increasingly hostile environment, there is an urgent need for strong leadership from the UK. This must include defending hard-won international agreements, supporting civil society and frontline providers resisting rollback, and ensuring comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services are prioritised in humanitarian and fragile settings.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome and important step but the UK must now match this ambition with a concrete implementation plan and sustained investment to ensure women and girls everywhere can access the healthcare, rights and protection they need to live free from violence and coercion.”
Note to Editor
For interviews and further information please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)7769 166 516
