Development Minister Baroness Chapman appeared in front of the International Development Select Committee today (May 13), during which she confirmed that all aid funding for gender equality will be eradicated as a result of the UK's aid cuts.
In response, CARE International UK's CEO, Helen McEachern, said:
“At a time when women’s rights are under attack around the world, it is indefensible for the UK to end its support for women and girls. Trading long-term commitments for a short-term reaction to UK party politics is political expediency – not strategy.
“Tackling gender inequality is not ‘global charity’ - it’s a choice. It's an investment that generates substantial economic returns. A choice that says to the world that the UK stands firm to its values and to what we hold dear – safety and equality for all citizens – both at home and abroad. And fundamentally this step back from our commitments will make UK aid less effective with deadly consequences for women and girls worldwide.
“If this Government is to avoid being remembered as one of the worst for women and girls, it must immediately reverse these cuts and protect their rights."
Media enquiries
For all media enquiries, please contact Zaina Alibhai on alibhai@careinternational.org
