Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls

Acknowledged consensus on both sides of the House regarding the need for leadership and focused action against male violence in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of listening to women's voices.

Raised concerns about climate change's impact on women and girls in conflict situations, emphasising the need for robust systems to provide vital support during crises. Discussed the role of women in climate crisis work, echoing the lead MP's call for women's involvement in development policy.

Discussed UK aid efforts supporting Syrian refugees and women’s organisations. Raised concerns over medical supplies to Gaza and treatment of Palestinian detainees. Discussed Lord Collins' visit to Colombia and the UK's support for preventing sexual violence in conflict.

Emphasised the importance of education for girls in conflict zones, highlighting its impact on peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. Advocated for the UK to champion the protection of education and hold governments accountable when schools are attacked.

Pays tribute to the hon. Member for Norwich North for securing the debate, highlighting the importance of sexual violence as a weapon in conflict and reflecting on personal experience in international development.

Supports the debate on sexual violence in conflict zones, emphasizing the obligation to uphold women's safety and dignity. Acknowledges that rape as a strategic tactic is undeniable and highlights consequences such as unwanted pregnancies, psychological trauma, and lack of access to healthcare.

Emphasised the importance of coming together across parties to address CRSV and highlighted the need for women's representation at peace negotiation tables. Asked about the Government's involvement in protecting Christians and other ethnic faiths, particularly women, in Syria.

Highlighted that conflict amplifies risks faced by women and girls, including surges in intimate partner violence, limited access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and heightened caregiving burdens. Urged for the inclusion of women’s voices in humanitarian relief efforts and peacebuilding negotiations.

Noted that around 600 million women live in or near armed conflicts today, highlighting reproductive health issues in Gaza and Sudan with testimonies from the International Development Committee.

Discussed the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, citing cases from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Highlighted systematic violence against women by Russian forces in Ukraine and Taliban's violation of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Highlighted the role of women in brokering peace between clans in Somalia, Somaliland, and other Somali countries.

Expressed gratitude for the debate on violence against women in conflict, emphasising the need to address this issue through a gendered lens.

Discussed the denial of medical supplies to Gaza and highlighted the increase in gender-based violence in Sudan, noting a 288% rise in case-management services for GBV.

Discusses the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women, highlighting cases in Gaza and Myanmar where violence against women has escalated. Emphasizes the exclusion of women from peacebuilding efforts.

Emphasised the importance of women in upstream prevention efforts with examples of Sri Lankan peacebuilder Dishani Jayaweera, Nigerian human rights activist Badung Charity Audu, and Iraqi Yazidi woman Khalidah. Emphasized the importance of upstream prevention, quality aid, and getting cash directly to women on the ground who know how to spend it effectively for their communities.

During our time in government, we were at the heart of the international response to CRSV. Since launching the preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative—PSVI—in 2012, we continued to lead the world in addressing those crimes.