Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted an International Women’s Day event at Downing Street, declaring that “misogyny is everywhere.” He pledged to build “a fair, inclusive and safe” society for women, vowing to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade.
Grooming Gangs Inquiry Draws Scrutiny
Opposition to a proposed national inquiry into grooming gangs has sparked criticism. Starmer directed ministers to vote against the amendment, and they complied, including female cabinet members Bridget Phillipson, Yvette Cooper, Jess Phillips, Stella Creasey, Lucy Powell, and Shabana Mahmood.
Phillipson and Cooper joined Starmer at the Women’s Day event. Rachel Reeves, who abstained on the vote, stated: “I’m proud to play my part in making sure no girl or woman sees a ceiling on their ambition.”
Critics argue that supporting the inquiry would better protect vulnerable women from such abuses.
Global and Domestic Women’s Rights Challenges
In Iran, 65 women faced execution last year for alleged offenses like refusing spousal abuse, being victims of rape, or improper hijab wearing. Starmer’s government denied UK airbases to the US and Israel during tensions with Iran’s regime.
Within the UK, around 85 Sharia courts operate, prompting concerns over women’s rights, including risks of beatings, loss of assets, and child custody disadvantages. The 2022 Child Sex Abuse report outlined 20 recommendations, several of which await implementation.
These issues underscore ongoing debates about safeguarding women amid cultural and international pressures.
