Women’s Aid responds to announcement of new equalities minister

This week, the new prime minister Liz Truss chose Nadhim Zahawi for the post of equalities minister, a role previously titled women and equalities minister.

In response, Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid said:

“The removal of ‘women’ from the portfolio of the government’s minister of women and equalities role is deeply concerning. At a time when violence against women and girls is so prevalent, the government must make ending violence against women and girls a priority. It must be acknowledged that women suffer abuse and violence because of their gender, which requires a specific and robust response.

“In light of the landmark Domestic Abuse Act and progress in commitments from government for women so far, it is vital that the government does not step back now. We hope that the prime minister will instate a minister for women to uphold the government’s commitments to tackling violence against women as a priority.

“At Women’s Aid, we will not rest until all women are supported and safe.”