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The UK government\u2019s 2020 spending review includes a cut in international aid, from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%. My research shows that this will have severe effects on the lives of girls worldwide.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, my colleagues and I at the University of Cambridge published\u00a0a report<\/a>\u00a0highlighting the urgent need for political leadership to address a global learning crisis in girls\u2019 education in low and middle-income countries.<\/p>\n That review was commissioned by what is now the UK\u2019s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It contained powerful reflections by the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, who commented: \u201cThis problem has a real cost \u2013 not only in loss of talent and potential \u2013 but on communities, societies, and the global economy \u2026 It is time for leaders to step up and act.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite this, the spending review released on November 25 outlined the cut in the 0.7% of national income allocated to foreign aid, a principle supposedly enshrined in law. Chancellor Rishi Sunak stated that this cut was temporary and would return to 0.7% when the UK\u2019s finances allowed.<\/p>\n But cutting this aid, even before one considers the devastating effects of COVID-19, will have real implications for the life chances of millions of young women.<\/p>\n Prior to this year,\u00a0130 million girls<\/a>\u00a0were out of school. This number will have increased as inequality gaps have widened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n The UK\u2019s recent record in addressing girls\u2019 education and that of marginalised children in the world\u2019s poorest countries has rightly gained considerable praise and respect.<\/p>\n The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is responsible for the\u00a0Girls\u2019 Education Challenge<\/a>\u00a0programme, which began in 2012. It has worked across 18 countries to ensure girls there can actually complete their education, through support from communities, stronger school management, and engagement with partner governments.<\/p>\n In September last year, the prime minister himself\u00a0renewed his personal commitment<\/a>\u00a0to supporting the empowerment of women and girls around the world by boosting funding aimed at ensuring they receive a quality education. However, the decision to cut foreign aid leaves a question mark hanging over significant programmes.<\/p>\n Baroness Liz Sugg, who resigned from her ministerial role following the announcement, was the UK\u2019s special envoy for girls\u2019 education.<\/p>\n Sadly I have resigned from Government today. Here\u2019s my letter to the PM???? pic.twitter.com\/hWwPtBuH6v<\/a><\/p>\n — Baroness Sugg (@liz_sugg) November 25, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n An urgent issue<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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