The UK government is reportedly reconsidering a major commitment to allocate 80% of its bilateral foreign aid budget to initiatives that promote gender equality. This shift could mark a significant departure from earlier policy pledges and has sparked concern among aid organizations and advocates for women's rights.

Originally introduced by the Conservative government in 2023, the policy was designed to ensure that by 2030, the overwhelming majority of the UK’s foreign aid would support programs that include a gender equality component even if it wasn’t the main focus. The current Labour-led administration had earlier signaled support for the target, but now appears to be reviewing its future.

Concerns Over Global Impact Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

The possible reversal comes at a time of growing alarm over international support for gender and diversity-focused aid programs. The move could amplify the global consequences of the United States’ own retreat from such funding, particularly under the recent policy actions associated with Donald Trump’s administration.

Critics argue that both the U.S. and UK are stepping back just as women and girls are facing rising challenges around the world—from maternal health crises to gender-based violence in conflict zones. In some countries, these programs have been the primary source of reproductive health services and educational opportunities for young women.

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Labour’s Past Support Faces Reevaluation

In March, Labour’s junior Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty reiterated the government’s intention to uphold the 80% pledge. However, with a renewed emphasis on defense spending, the government had already cut total overseas development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has since indicated a shift in stance, telling Parliament that he could not commit to decisions made by the previous administration. He added that the government would be “looking at this afresh,” suggesting that the gender equality target may be scrapped or revised.

Aid Cuts Already Harming Key Regions

The UK spent £15.3 billion on foreign aid in 2023, with £10 billion allocated to bilateral programs. This figure dropped to a provisional £14.1 billion in 2024, with £11.3 billion going directly to country-level projects. A recent government impact assessment warned that reductions in aid are already affecting crucial services in Africa—home to half of the UK’s bilateral aid investments.

In countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cuts have targeted women's health, emergency responses, and maternal care. Meanwhile, girls’ education programs in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are also being scaled back. Projects that aim to include women in peace negotiations are likewise being deprioritized.

The assessment noted that health-related funding cuts could increase disease burden and death rates, disproportionately affecting women, children, and people with disabilities.

Critics Say the UK Must Not Backslide

Aid advocates have condemned the potential rollback as a betrayal of vulnerable communities. Sarah Champion, Chair of the International Development Committee, said the UK’s previous commitments offered a “lifeline” to women and girls in fragile environments.

Highlighting the recent rollback of U.S. funding—including the destruction of stockpiled contraceptives Champion argued that now is not the time to scale down UK support. She called on the UK to lead, rather than retreat, from global gender equality efforts.

“When conflict, climate change, and food insecurity strike, it is always women and girls who suffer most,” she said. “Our aid programmes give them hope and options. Walking away now would be unconscionable."

Aid Networks Warn of Global Repercussions

NGO leaders echoed the urgency. Alex Farley of Bond, the UK network of aid organizations, said the review sends the wrong message at a time when gender rights are under sustained attack. “We’re seeing anti-gender movements grow, and the U.S. is pulling back support,” Farley said. “Now is when we need the UK to stand firm—not follow suit.”

Amelia Whitworth of Plan International UK emphasized that humanitarian crises and climate shocks are escalating, with girls often bearing the brunt. “The UK has a responsibility to hold the line on gender equality,” she said. “If it steps back now, we risk further unraveling of global progress on girls’ rights.”

Government Says Gender Equality Still a Priority

In response to the mounting criticism, a Foreign Office spokesperson said that gender equality remains a core concern. The spokesperson emphasized that the government was in the process of reviewing all aid commitments in light of the reduced budget but maintained that gender-focused work would continue to be embedded across UK foreign policy.

“As the Foreign Secretary has said, women and girls are a fundamental priority,” the statement read. “From appointing a special envoy for women and girls to expanding access to clean energy for 15 million women, we’ve shown that gender equality remains central to our mission.”

Future of the 80% Target Still Uncertain

Although the review is ongoing, the government’s shifting rhetoric and recent actions suggest the 80% target may no longer be treated as binding policy. Whether it will be replaced, revised, or quietly dropped remains to be seen.

For campaigners, however, the message is clear: any erosion of the commitment would have a real-world impact, jeopardizing essential services for women and girls in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

As global funding for gender equality hangs in the balance, many are watching closely to see whether the UK will maintain its leadership—or become yet another country retreating from hard-won progress.

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