To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have put forward to seek to strengthen women's rights in Zimbabwe and their involvement in the political process.

The Government continue to support the rights of women in Zimbabwe as part of the political process. We are pressing for a free, fair and transparent democratic process in Zimbabwe which meets international standards as well as the standards of the South African Development Community (SADC).

Our embassy in Harare has provided support to women's empowerment groups and the Department for International Development is also working closely with the UN, other donors and women's groups to support women's rights.

We will, with the EU and other international partners, support the African Union, SADC and the UN in encouraging a new government in Zimbabwe which permits full and equal humanitarian access and shows commitment to macroeconomic stabilisation, the rule of law, human rights and a democratic process which ensures the full involvement of women.