Llywydd, I’m pleased to open this debate in celebration of International Women’s Day 2017. The first International Women’s Day took place over 100 years ago and since then it’s grown into a truly global event—a day when the achievements of girls and women are recognised irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, language, culture, wealth or politics. It’s an excellent example of how people can come together, as one, for a common cause.

Men have a duty to speak out on equality, violence and abuse and we need an International Women’s Day because those battles are not yet won. Until that time comes, I am proud to stand with those who call out abusers, the sexist and the denigrators of women, whoever they may be and wherever they may peddle their poisonous misogyny.