Overview

• Baroness Harriet Harman, a veteran Labour politician and advocate for women's rights, has been named the UK's first Special Envoy for Women and Girls.
• The role aims to promote global gender equality, focusing on reproductive health, education access, and combating gender-based violence.
• The appointment was announced on International Women’s Day, highlighting the UK’s commitment to advancing women’s rights globally.
• Critics, including ActionAid UK, have warned that the recent cuts to the UK’s aid budget undermine the potential impact of this role without sufficient funding.
• Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised Harman's extensive track record on gender equality and emphasized the role’s importance in fostering global economic growth and security.