Fiona Bruce MP hosted an International Women’s Day event in Westminster
Fiona Bruce MP hosted an International Women’s Day event in Westminster last week to which dozens of representatives from Embassies and Consulates from around the world were invited to share knowledge, information and experience of supporting omen to help them make the most of their lives, particularly in countries where women remain oppressed.
Speaking in Westminster, Fiona Bruce spoke of the work of the UK Government in supporting women and girls:
“It is now well recognised that if women and girls, in developing countries, are supported within their communities, for example, to have an education or to set up a small business, the whole community benefits.
In many countries women and girls suffer severe oppression; in Ethiopia I saw, when there with the International Development Select Committee of which I am a member, girls married off well before their teens, and losing their childhood, education, and in many cases, health, as a result – particularly due to early childbirth. The UK Government is doing profound work on the ground in that country, educating communities to recognise that early marriage – whilst perceived as “securing the family line” – actually does the opposite.
I have also been pleased to see women in Africa helped to set up small businesses through the UK Government’s support of the “Farm Africa Credit Union” whereby many women from one village will pay monthly into a savings pot, which is then used to help one woman set up a business who then, with their profits, repays the loan so that another woman can be helped and in turn help their communities. In this way I have seen businesses such as a chicken farm and a sewing business set up.
The UK Government is also tackling the scourge of female genital mutilation (FGM) both in this country, and across the globe. This terrible practice is nothing less than torture of young girls and the psychological and physical harm to them as a result is major. At least 120 million women worldwide have been subject to this – in countries like Egypt and Somalia 90% of girls have been affected – as well as thousands here in the UK.
Despite FGM being supposedly illegal in the UK since 1985 not one prosecution has taken place – that must change. Thankfully the UK Government has listened to campaigners and through a flagship programme in 17 countries is now working card to end FGM both at home and abroad.”
![]()
