Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his counterparts in Commonwealth countries on advancing gender equality globally.

As set out in our International Development Strategy the UK is committed to providing women and girls with the freedom they need to succeed, unlocking their future potential, educating girls, supporting their empowerment and protecting them against violence.

The FCDO works closely with EU and Commonwealth counterparts at all levels to progress gender equality both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. For instance, the G7 2022 Communique makes multiple references to progressing gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women and girls. At the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Leaders adopted a Declaration for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women 2022-2030.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-germany-2022-communique/g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-germany-2022-communique

https://thecommonwealth.org/our-work/gender