International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made to advance women’s rights, while recognising that much more needs to be done to support women across the world.

The stories that have come to light in recent months through the ‘Me Too’ movement make clear how much more there is still to do to improve the lives of women in our own country and around the world. Globally, we have seen reports of the most horrific atrocities committed against women, including Rohingya women, who have been subject to systemic use of sexual violence by the Myanmar military.

It is time for leaders in the UK and internationally to act to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls throughout the world and empower women to improve their life chances and allow them to fulfil their potential.