Baroness Harriet Harman Appointed as UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls
Former minister to lead UK efforts in global advocacy for women's rights and gender equality.
Baroness Harriet Harman has been appointed the new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, a role aimed at coordinating international efforts to safeguard reproductive health rights, enhance access to education, and combat gender-based violence.
The Foreign Office announced this appointment on International Women’s Day, emphasizing the government's commitment to accelerating action that improves the lives of women globally.
Baroness Harman, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, has a history of advocating for women's rights, having served as MP for Peckham for over 40 years and holding various ministerial roles, including the women and equalities brief during the New Labour governments helmed by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Her experience also includes responsibilities as deputy leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2015 and serving as acting leader on two occasions following the departures of Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband.
In a statement following her appointment, Baroness Harman highlighted the ongoing challenges women and girls face, stating, "The job is far from done towards ending women’s inequality.
Women and girls are still not equal, and many still face oppression, violence and discrimination." She expressed her intent to drive initiatives that support the rights of women and girls worldwide, emphasizing the UK's role in fostering international coalitions.
The announcement comes in the wake of former International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds' resignation due to budgetary cuts to the foreign aid sector intended to bolster defense spending.
In response to Harman's appointment, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that her profound commitment to gender equality would be vital for promoting global economic growth and enhancing security.
The Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, expressed her enthusiasm for Harman's new role, recognizing her as a "legend on women’s rights" and a pioneer who inspires women both in the UK and abroad.
Chapman indicated support for efforts aimed at protecting established rights and creating further opportunities for women.
The UK government’s renewed focus on gender equality and women’s rights follows increasing global awareness of issues concerning gender-based violence and reproductive health, areas that require sustained and collaborative engagement.
The Foreign Office announced this appointment on International Women’s Day, emphasizing the government's commitment to accelerating action that improves the lives of women globally.
Baroness Harman, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, has a history of advocating for women's rights, having served as MP for Peckham for over 40 years and holding various ministerial roles, including the women and equalities brief during the New Labour governments helmed by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Her experience also includes responsibilities as deputy leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2015 and serving as acting leader on two occasions following the departures of Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband.
In a statement following her appointment, Baroness Harman highlighted the ongoing challenges women and girls face, stating, "The job is far from done towards ending women’s inequality.
Women and girls are still not equal, and many still face oppression, violence and discrimination." She expressed her intent to drive initiatives that support the rights of women and girls worldwide, emphasizing the UK's role in fostering international coalitions.
The announcement comes in the wake of former International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds' resignation due to budgetary cuts to the foreign aid sector intended to bolster defense spending.
In response to Harman's appointment, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that her profound commitment to gender equality would be vital for promoting global economic growth and enhancing security.
The Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, expressed her enthusiasm for Harman's new role, recognizing her as a "legend on women’s rights" and a pioneer who inspires women both in the UK and abroad.
Chapman indicated support for efforts aimed at protecting established rights and creating further opportunities for women.
The UK government’s renewed focus on gender equality and women’s rights follows increasing global awareness of issues concerning gender-based violence and reproductive health, areas that require sustained and collaborative engagement.
