Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to highlight the importance of ensuring women’s participation in peace negotiations, in particular in Afghanistan, at the G7 summit on 11 to 13 June.

Gender equality is at the heart of our Presidency of the G7 this year, centred around the themes of ending violence against women, women’s economic empowerment, and education for women and girls. To support this the Prime Minister has reconvened the Gender Equality Advisory Council.

The UK has championed women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, including in Afghanistan, South Sudan and Yemen and supported grassroots women building peace and countering violent extremism. The UK remains committed to supporting Afghanistan on its path to a more peaceful and positive future. Only a negotiated and inclusive settlement will safeguard the rights and freedoms that Afghans want and deserve. We will continue to make clear to all sides that any Afghan-led political settlement must preserve progress, including protection for women and minorities.