Every year on 14 February girls and women around the world rise up as part of a global movement called V Day to challenge the violence perpetrated on them.

Violence against girls and women is one of the most systematic, widespread human rights abuses in the world. One in three women will experience it in their lifetimes. The UK government believes this can change, that every woman and girl has the right to live free from violence and abuse.

We cannot simply accept violence against girls and women as inevitable. To do so is to waste the potential of generations: girls and women who have to live with the consequences of violence such as being locked out of education or health services, unable to take up employment opportunities or to participate in decision-making.

Investing in girls and women is the smart thing to do, as well as the right thing to do. We are working to give girls and women voice, choice and control – including control over their own bodies – to tackle this pandemic of violence.