Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced the launch of a new international coalition focused on tackling violence against women and girls. The coalition, which currently has eight founding members spanning five continents, is part of the UK's broader effort to address what Cooper described as a 'global emergency.'
Founding Members and Global Reach
The eight founding members of the unnamed coalition include the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, Spain, Jamaica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Australia. Foreign Office officials are actively working to recruit additional countries, with the initiative tied to the UK's upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2027, when the nation will host a major summit of the world's largest economies.
Cooper's Statement on the Crisis
Speaking about the launch, Cooper emphasized that violence against women and girls (VAWG) is not merely a national issue but a global emergency. She recounted 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 1 in 3 women globally who will experience sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime,' she stated.
Domestic Context and Campaigns
The announcement comes amid ongoing domestic efforts to address VAWG. Metro's 'This Is Not Right' campaign, launched in November 2024, has called for greater action to tackle violence against women and girls, holding the government accountable for its promise to halve such crimes within a decade. The campaign, in partnership with Women's Aid, aims to shine a light on the scale of what it calls a national emergency.
Last week, Jess Phillips resigned as Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls, citing a lack of bold support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. She has been replaced by Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, who has consistently raised issues of rape and sexual assault in Parliament.
Fleet's Commitment
Announcing the coalition, Fleet stated: 'To create a world where women and girls feel safe from harm, we must build a united, global front and I’m proud to stand alongside international partners today who committed to doing just that.'
Criticism and Calls for Action
However, women's charity Care International UK urged the UK and its allies to back their words with meaningful investment and partnerships with organizations securing women's rights. Dorothy Sang, the organization's Head of Advocacy, warned: 'Warm words won’t rebuild the capacity needed to deliver the exact changes that world leaders are finally promising. Beyond claiming a feminist foreign policy approach, it remains unclear how far the UK is prepared to boldly defend women’s rights organisations and movements – especially when it is politically difficult to do so.'
The coalition's formation marks a significant step in international efforts to combat gender-based violence, but critics argue that concrete actions and funding are essential to translate promises into real change.
