Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect the rights of women in Syria, as part of their overseas operations in that country.

All of the projects the UK funds through the Conflict Stability and Security Fund in Syria incorporate awareness of gender equality issues and work to promote the empowerment of women. In particular, we have supported women-led projects through a governance programme, which has enabled women to participate in community engagement activities, project development and decision-making at the local level.