16 days of activism: Letter to the Equalities Minister
I'm now on day 6 of my 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and today I wrote to the Equalities Minister to seek greater Government involvement with the campaign next year.
The 16 Days campaign really is a fantastic way to make noise and make sure that conversations are happening about violence against women and girls.
People and organisations all over the world are taking part in this UN-led initiative, including here in Scotland and right across these islands.
The UK Government has, over the course of the past few days, taken some really commendable measures to stop gender-based violence in conflict zones.
This is exactly the kind of action and initiative that should be happening right across Government departments, and they should be shouting about it through official communication channels.
I think the campaign would massively benefit next year and in future years from the UK Government throwing its full weight behind the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
And so, to that end, my letter to the Equalities Minister asks for exactly that; for planning to be carried out and resource to be given for future years.
You can read my letter to the Minister below.
The Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch MP
Minister for Women and Equalities
Government Equalities Office
Sanctuary Buildings
16-20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
Wednesday 30 November 2022
Dear Minister,
As you will be aware, November 25th marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. You will also know that this gender-based violence remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide. It is estimated to affect more than 1 in 3 women, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the last decade.
I commend the areas in which the Government is playing a leading role on initiatives to combat this violence, such as the recent strategy and international conference on the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. This is a clear example of the unity required on the world stage.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls also marked the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the theme for which this year is, incidentally, 'UNITE!'.
This 16-day campaign provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and to allow people and organisations to become activists against gender-based violence. I have used my platform during the campaign this year to highlight activism and be a proactive campaigner.
The Government Equalities Office is well-placed to participate in and promote the 16 Days of Activism and to that end I write to kindly request that plans be put in place to increase the engagement your Department has with the campaign next year.
I thank you for your consideration of my correspondence and hope to see the Government play a key role next year in amplifying the campaign throughout the 16 days.
Yours sincerely,
David Linden MP
Member of Parliament for Glasgow East
