Baroness Harriet Harman, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, delivered a compelling keynote speech at the Berlin Process Gender Equality Forum in Sarajevo on 10 September 2025.
She emphasized the UK’s dedication to integrating women’s rights into regional security and economic strategies, highlighting efforts against violence and online abuse.
UK’s Leadership in Gender Equality
The UK is taking a leading role in promoting gender equality within international frameworks, particularly through its chairmanship of the Berlin Process in 2025. This initiative focuses on security, economic growth, and migration in the Western Balkans.
By prioritizing women and girls’ rights, the UK aims to foster regional cooperation and address pressing issues such as violence against women and economic empowerment.
Innovative Approaches to Online Safety
The UK supports innovative technology platforms like STOP NCII.org to combat non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This growing online threat requires coordinated international action, as highlighted by Baroness Harman during her speech.
The platform exemplifies how UK technological expertise is being leveraged internationally to tackle emerging forms of gender-based violence online.
Economic Empowerment Opportunities
Women’s economic participation in the Western Balkans remains low, with only half of women engaged in the labor force. This exclusion significantly impacts regional growth potential.
The UK’s commitment to funding initiatives like Kvinna Till Kvinna underscores its support for women’s rights foundations active since the 1990s. Such efforts align with broader goals of enhancing women’s roles in economic development.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
- The World Bank’s Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative aims to close financing gaps for women entrepreneurs.
- UK investors are encouraged to engage with emerging markets through collaboration with women-led enterprises.
- Women-led businesses deliver higher returns but receive minimal venture capital funding.
- The UK’s focus on digital safety aligns with domestic priorities like the Online Safety Act.
A Legacy of Advocacy
The UK’s historical commitment to women’s rights is evident through legislation such as the 2010 Equality Act and international advocacy efforts like the Women, Peace and Security Agenda commitments from 2015.
Baroness Harman’s appointment as Special Envoy continues this legacy by integrating gender perspectives into foreign policy discussions within frameworks like the Berlin Process.
Additional Reading
Final Thoughts
The UK’s proactive stance on gender equality within international frameworks highlights its commitment to addressing complex challenges faced by women globally.
By supporting initiatives that promote women’s rights and economic empowerment, the UK not only strengthens its leadership role but also fosters stability and growth both domestically and internationally.
More of Todays Top Breaking Government News Stories!
Sources: UK Government, The Independent, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and Baroness Harriet Harman KC.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
