ActionAid today welcomed the appointment of Baroness Kinnock to the new role as the government minister responsible for tackling global violence against women.

ActionAid said her new role could make a positive difference if it helps put preventing violence against women at the heart of the government’s foreign policy.

Zohra Moosa, ActionAid’s women’s rights advisor, said: “The government is to be congratulated for creating this post, which will push the issue of violence against women further up the UK’s foreign policy agenda.

“Baroness Kinnock’s main priorities must be helping countries around the world protect women from violence and abuse, and to make sure there is no place to hide for those who commit violence against women and girls.

“The government now has to do all it can to make sure Baroness Kinnock’s new job has the authority and resources to change women’s lives for the better.”

All parties agree that violence against women is unacceptable. ActionAid said it hoped this new role will become a permanent fixture of the UK government.

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