This week, the UK’s Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, signalled that gender equality and education may be deprioritised in the next foreign aid budget. This is deeply concerning, given clear evidence that past cuts hit women, girls, and marginalised groups the hardest.
Vital services are now at risk, including:
- Sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Protection from violence
- Access to education
- Support for women with disabilities
“The Minister has spoken in favour of gender mainstreaming (having support for gender running as a thread through all areas), and this is also vital—but it cannot replace funding focused specifically on meeting the needs of women and girls.”
– Alexandra Webber, UK Policy & Advocacy Manager at Womankind Worldwide
Will you write to your MP today and ask them to protect
standalone funding for women and girls?
On 11 June, the UK Parliament will set the UK’s aid budget for the next three years. Let’s let our elected representatives know how much funding for women and girls matters to us.
If you’ve never written to your MP before, don’t worry, we’ve made it simple.
Step 1: Find your local MP and their contact details here.
Step 2: Copy our template email below and paste it into an email. After adding your details, you can send it as is, or add your own reasons for speaking out.
Step 3: Let us know you’ve contacted your MP by filling out our 30-second survey here.
