The UK's decision to reduce Official Development Assistance to just 0.3% of GNI will have a disproportionate impact on women and girls around the globe.
A recent House of Lords Library Publication highlighted the likely negative effects on programmes supporting women's health, maternal and child healthcare, education, and protection from violence.ย This is exemplified by the 25% reduction in the intended increase to the Women, Peace and Security programme. This publication further illustrated the dire consequences of these cuts by highlighting the shocking fact that โ10 of the 12 programmes put forward for closure or pause were equalities focusedโ.ย
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For many women and girls, aid is not an abstract policy issue. It directly affects access to essential services such asย healthcare, education and protection from gender-based violence, which underpin the safety and security of women and girls around the world. Development organisations have warned that women and girls are among those expected to face the biggest consequences of these ODA budget reductions.ย
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This should matter to Southampton. As a city home to a world-class university, major healthcare institutions and strong charitable engagement, Southampton is home to many people who understand the profound importance of education, healthcare and opportunities for women and girls. These services valued by Southampton are the same services that are at risk abroad from ODA budget cuts. When support for maternal health, female education and protection from gender-based violence is reduced, women and girls will be forced to suffer the consequences.
