Rt Hon David Cameron MP

Prime Minister

Cabinet Office

70 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2AS

18th August 2015

Dear Prime Minister

I am writing in support of ActionAid's Fearless campaign to end violence against women and girls.

Like the many constituents who have contacted me in support of the campaign, I see violence against women and girls as an abuse of fundamental human rights and want it to stop.

As you know, there’s a strong link between human rights and equality. That’s why it’s vital that your Government takes a lead in ensuring that women are properly represented and heard when it comes to global targets to reduce gender inequality. In the past I’ve urged you to back a standalone goal to reduce income inequality, and also targets on inequality under every goal in the new development framework that will replace the Millennium Development Goals. I have also made the case for a standalone goal on ending gender inequality and promoting women’s participation in political and public life, as well as for clear targets on ending gendered violence.

This second half of 2015 is a key opportunity to get concrete action and targets as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agreement. With these Goals to be agreed at the UN General Assembly in September, we have a real opportunity to work with other countries to stop violence against women and girls for good.

Please will you champion the target on ending violence at the General Assembly and please will you let my constituent know what action you are taking to:

- Put real political will behind a target to end violence against women,

- Make sure that proper funding is dedicated to the target,

- Work together with women's groups and organisations who have been leading the way against violence for decades.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,