UK Government’s new pledge to support women and girls is welcome but faces significant challenges

Reacting to the announcement, Amelia Whitworth, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Youth at Plan International UK said:  

“This is an important step that recognises the unique challenges that girls face across the world – from forced child marriage to being the last to eat during hunger crises. It also comes at a time where we are seeing an unprecedented attack on girls’ rights both at home and overseas, from the introduction of policies restricting reproductive rights to the deliberate targeting of girls in conflict zones. But for this Framework to succeed, the Government must demonstrate how it will actually fund and deliver its commitments. 

“Deep cuts to the UK aid budget – along with a lack of clarity on how new pledges will actually be implemented – raises serious questions about how the Framework will deliver meaningful change for girls. By slashing aid by 40%, it is inevitable that this new approach to development spending will still see fewer girls in school and more girls being exposed to gender-based violence and exploitation. 

“We are already seeing the devastating impact reduced aid spending from governments around the world has on girls’ lives. Sudanese girls in Chad have told us that they no longer receive dignity kits to manage their periods safely in dangerous, overcrowded refugee camps. In Haiti meanwhile, our staff heard how girls go to school without eating, while others are engaging in survival sex as a means of continuing to access education their families cannot afford.” 

“While we are encouraged by the launch of this Framework – especially at such a volatile time for girls across the world - it is not enough to just speak about girls’ rights. The Government must now act on this commitment and prove that gender equality will be at the heart of any overseas aid programme.”