Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to appoint a new FCDO Special Envoy for Gender Equality.

Gender equality is a core part of the FCDO's work as a force for good in the world. The UK has a proud track record in a number of areas. For example, the right of every girl around the world to receive 12 years of quality education remains a top priority. The Prime Minister appointed Baroness Sugg as the UK Special Envoy for Girls' Education in March 2020. Between 2015 and 2020, we supported 8.1 million girls gain access to a decent education. The Strategic Vision for Gender Equality reflects and responds to the UK Government's ambitions and works alongside our National Action Plan (NAP) on Women Peace and Security. As part of creation of the FCDO we will be building on existing strategies and reviewing structures and roles, including that of the Special Envoy for Gender Equality.

In 2019 the UK announced the biggest ever investment of £67.5 million by a single Government to prevent violence against women and girls. We are recognised internationally for our leadership on the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative to which we have committed £46 million since 2012, supporting over 85 projects across 29 countries. We also continue to reach girls and women with life-saving sexual and reproductive health services, including with an additional £10 million for UN Population Fund's COVID-19 response. We will mark the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in October with the support of HRH The Countess of Wessex, HMG's champion on Women Peace and Security and the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. The FCDO network will mark the anniversary, focusing on elevating and legitimising the work of women peacebuilders. We are also supporting the International Civil Society Action Network's Protection Framework for Women Peacebuilders which will provide guidance to states and multilateral organisations on how to prevent and respond to reprisals against women peacebuilders.