GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN THE UK

During the period covered by this study, the spotlight
has fallen on these issues as a result of a series of
cases, including some against famous perpetrators.
These include the long-suppressed revelations about
Jimmy Savile’s prolific sexual offending, and criminal
trials of high-profile men such as Rolf Harris and Max
Clifford, as well as of groups of men for the sexual
exploitation of girls and young women in towns and
cities, and ongoing revelations about sexual abuse in
institutions around the UK. These cases have taken
place against a backdrop of feminist activism and
campaigning for women’s and girls’ rights to live free
from violence, harassment and abuse, both online
and off, in the UK as well as globally.
SUCCESSES
There are now good frameworks in place to deliver
change and work towards the total eradication of all
forms of VAWG. Strategies have been developed by
each of the four national governments around the
UK as well as in some regional and local areas.
Many of these are rooted in the principles of equality
and human rights and have usually been driven by
coalitions of women’s organisations working with public
officials and politicians across all main parties.
As a result of this increased focus, there have
been numerous reviews, inspections and inquiries
in different parts of the UK into institutional failings in
domestic violence cases and so-called honour-based
violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation
(FGM), rape, child sexual abuse and child sexual
exploitation. They are working with experts in
the VAWG sector and enabling survivors to have their
voices heard. This contributes to a positive cultural shift
which means that disclosures are likely to increase. In
addition to this positive change, however, the police
have indicated that sexual offences, facilitated by
technology, may be increasing too. This has serious
implications for public services and, as most survivors
of violence do not report to the authorities, for
specialist support services in the community.
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