Women’s Representation in Peace Processes
Debate between Baroness Hodgson of Abinger and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
We do, and we are asked about the example and our experience in Northern Ireland. The noble Baroness has far more knowledge of this than I do, of course, but it is seen as instructive. We always make the point that the inclusion of women, women’s leadership and community representation was essential to creating an agreement that has stood the test of time. As she said, it needs to be cherished and protected and we need to make sure that it lasts, even still now. But the point that she makes is right. Yes, we do include conversations about Northern Ireland whenever that is relevant.
Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Con)
My Lords, it can be very difficult for women to take part in peace agreements without support and training. If they are excluded from peace processes, it can mean that there is no long-term peace for half the population: the women. In particular, the Minister mentioned a number of places where we are supporting women. Are we offering the Yemeni women any support? They are suffering terribly.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
I met the female Minister from Yemen just yesterday. The noble Baroness is right that women in Yemen are suffering terribly and yes, we do work to provide support. I will get back to the noble Baroness on specific programmes and exactly how that is done, because I do not want to mislead, but the point the noble Baroness makes about women in leadership is exactly right.
Official Development Assistance: Bilateral Allocations
Debate between Baroness Hodgson of Abinger and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
Noble Lords do not need me to tell them just what a difficult context this is. Since the return of the Taliban, the prospects for women and girls have diminished greatly. We work closely with our partners, we still fund programmes in Afghanistan and we will continue to do so.
Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Con)
My Lords, while I am delighted that the Government are still prioritising women and girls, how are they going to ensure that this priority remains through the multilateral grants?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
I think it is impossible to do development without prioritising women and girls, and almost everything we do benefits disproportionately—and quite rightly—women and girls. It is one of the reasons why we prioritise health, because most of that does go to support women in particular. We use our voice very strongly and increasingly strongly on the boards of multilateral institutions. I speak regularly with the presidents of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and our engagement with the UN never fails to articulate strong support for women and girls, particularly at this time when, globally, it is becoming more and more contested.
Official Development Assistance
Debate between Baroness Hodgson of Abinger and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Con)
My Lords, we all know that women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict. There are, I think, about 116 conflicts raging around the world. The UK is a penholder for the women, peace and security agenda at the UN Security Council. We talk about leading the world on this agenda. Can the Minister reassure the House that we will continue to support women in conflict and not cut support to them at this time?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
It is vital, particularly at the moment, when many of our ideas and values regarding women are being challenged internationally, but we are determined that our work to support women will continue. We want to see this reflected through everything we do, and we are working on the detail of how we responsibly mainstream our work on gender throughout our programming. That is part of the story, but the other thing we need to do is to use our voice and influence internationally to make it clear that our position on these issues remains constant, even though others may change.