Overseas education project for women and girls axed by UK after two years
The UK government has cancelled the 'Strengthening higher education for female empowerment' (SHEFE) program, which aimed to support 1 million girls in education across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The decision follows broader aid budget cuts, drawing criticism from political figures concerned about the impact on global gender equality.
Why it matters
The cancellation highlights the tension between domestic fiscal austerity and international development commitments regarding women's education.
An Afghan girl in a secret school. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, girls have been barred from secondary education, but some still study in secret. Photograph: Nanna M Steffensen/Guardian An Afghan girl in a secret school. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, girls have been barred from secondary education, but some still study in secret. Photograph: Nanna M Steffensen/Guardian Aid cuts Global development Overseas education project for women and girls axed by UK after two years The programme, aimed at keeping 1m girls in school across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, withdrawn after aid cuts
The article focuses on the negative impact of the cuts and includes critical quotes from opposition politicians.
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