Are women’s voices being heard in UK’s development and peacebuilding work? MPs begin inquiry
Today MPs will hear from a former Afghan female politician and a Sudanese activist as it investigates the role of women in building peace and security globally.
MPs on the cross-party International Development Committee are exploring how well the UK has implemented the Women, Peace and Security agenda through successive National Action Plans, as well as how it has integrated women’s voices more broadly within its development programmes.
The Women, Peace and Security agenda is a global initiative led by the United Nations, which seeks to counter the disproportionate vulnerability of women to conflict and violence by incorporating women’s voices more systematically in peacebuilding efforts.
MPs will hear from those with direct experience of peacebuilding including Fawzia Koofi, Afghanistan’s first female Deputy Speaker and Hanin Ahmed, a Sudanese women’s rights activist involved in Emergency Response Rooms, volunteer-run operations which provide Sudanese with crucial supplies such as food and medication.
Meeting details
Committee members are likely to ask witnesses whether they have seen women able to play a meaningful role in politics and peacebuilding, what barriers might stand in the way of this, and what risks might result from women and girls being excluded from decisions.
Members are also likely to ask how recent cuts to UK aid have impacted the Government’s ability to improve the position of women and girls, and whether it is doing enough to ensure women can drive change in post-conflict and fragile states.
Distressing content - support
Members of the public are likely to hear distressing information, during this evidence session. Sources of support and help include:
- Want to talk? | Rape Crisis England & Wales - If something sexual happened to you without your consent, or you're not sure, you can talk to us. No matter when it happened. Call free on 0808 500 2222
- Mind – For information, advice, and support for anyone experiencing mental health issues. Call: 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans – Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Call: 116 123 or Email: jo@samaritans.org