Calls for a Minister to be appointed on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

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On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ActionAid will be asking politicians of all parties to commit to a UN Resolution that defends women's involvement in governance and peace negotiations. Shadow Secretary of State for International Development Harriet Harman MP spoke about the importance of women's political participation and empowerment at ActionAid's offices in London this morning. This afternoon, at the launch of the government's National Action Plan on UN Security Resolution 1325 at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Everjoice Win, ActionAid's Head of International Women's Rights joins Henry Bellingham, Minister of State and other senior Whitehall representatives. Everjoice is calling for the UK Government to put resources behind real change for women in conflict-affected countries. Richard Miller, ActionAid UK Executive Director, said:"Today is an important day for women around the world, especially the millions who experience violence of any kind. ActionAid welcomes the appointment of Lynne Featherstone to the new role International Violence Against Women Champion. This post provides an opportunity for the UK to lead on this agenda globally and to make sure there is no place to hide for those who commit violence against women. However, this post will only be effective if Ms Featherstone is given the authority, access and resources to drive this agenda forward across Government in order to make a real difference for women world-wide. This includes a remit that covers the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence and Department for International Development and a seat at key government decision-making tables."