Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that the United Kingdom is spearheading an “international mission” to address the global crisis of violence against women and girls. The initiative, unveiled at the Global Partnerships Conference in London, brings together eight founding nations committed to sharing expertise and strategies to combat this pervasive issue.
Founding Members of the Coalition
The coalition includes the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia. These countries will collaborate on best practices, technological innovations, and policy frameworks to reduce violence against women and girls worldwide.
Cooper’s Statement on the Global Emergency
Ms Cooper emphasised the urgency of the problem, stating: “Violence against women and girls is a global emergency, not just a national emergency. We are determined to work across borders to ensure women’s safety is a worldwide priority.” She recalled her visit to the Sudanese border in February, where she heard firsthand accounts of rape, abduction, and sexual violence. “I will make sure their voices are heard and fight to end violence for every single one of them – and for the one in three women globally who will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime,” she added.
Domestic and International Efforts
As Home Secretary, Ms Cooper led the UK government’s domestic target of halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade. The new international mission builds on this work. She highlighted Spain’s use of technology to identify perpetrators as a model for other nations. During a visit to Lewisham in London with Spanish international co-operation minister Eva Granados, Ms Cooper observed the Metropolitan Police’s strategies for tackling prolific offenders.
Collaborative Approach
“We obviously have a UK domestic mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next 10 years, but what we’re now trying to do is to build an international mission on ending violence against women and girls,” Ms Cooper explained. “We are working closely with Spain, but also with other countries, including Jamaica, South Africa, Morocco, Australia, and nations from across the world.”
Commitment to Safety and Prosperity
Ms Cooper declared that “women deserve to live free from fear of violence” and stressed that “there can be no peace, security, or prosperity for any of us until they do.” Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet, who accompanied the visit to Lewisham police station, echoed this sentiment: “To create a world where women and girls feel safe from harm, we must build a united, global front. I’m proud to stand alongside international partners today who committed to doing just that. But we will not stop there. We will deploy the full power of the UK state to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.”
