SIW message of condolence following the murder of British politician Jo Cox

(22 June 1974 – 16 June 2016)

Socialist International Women is deeply saddened following the murder of British Labour politician Jo Cox and sends its condolences to her family and all those who knew her. She was a passionate and fearless campaigner for the women’s movement, as well as an ardent champion across the full range of human rights and gender equality issues.

Mrs Cox was elected a Member of Parliament (MP) in the May 2015 UK General Election under the British Labour Party’s all-women shortlists (AWS) political practice, designed to increase the number of women MPs.

Prior to her election as an MP, she held a variety of humanitarian and political campaigning roles, including being national chair of the Labour Women’s Network. She is known to have worked tirelessly to highlight the suffering of children, women and migrants fleeing war-torn regions, helping to influence policy changes and encouraging high-level political dialogue. In 2012 she received the DEVEX award for her contribution to international development in recognition of her influence and commitment.

As an MP she is remembered for her intelligent, passionate and fearless efforts to champion the human rights of women, children and migrant populations, encourage multiculturalism and inclusiveness and promote cooperation and meaningful dialogue across all political platforms to effect positive change for both women and men.

Socialist International Women stands in solidarity with the core principles Jo Cox believed in, of gender equality, mutual respect, inclusiveness and cooperation for the benefit of all.