WIREDGOV

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone has taken her campaign to protect women to Africa.

She began a four day tour yesterday in her role as Ministerial Champion for tackling violence against women and girls overseas.

The minister is in Ethiopia and will travel to Uganda to campaign for women’s rights and to see the issues they face in developing countries.

She is meeting with political leaders in both countries and will visit vital aid projects already underway.

Violence against women, forced marriage, family planning and the role of women in politics are all top of the agenda

Lynne Featherstone said:  'The UK government is working to protect and empower women around the world.

'It is vital we tackle the global problem of violence against women and girls and make sure their rights are never ignored.

'I am delighted to have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the issues faced by women in Uganda and Ethiopia, to discuss these challenges with my international colleagues and to see excellent examples of real progress in addressing them.'