Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Official Development Assistance: Gender Equality

Wednesday 7 July 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tackling gender inequality is a core part of the UK's mission, with 430 million prioritized for girls' education this year.
  • The UK will spend over 10 billion on official development assistance in 2021.
  • Officials considered impacts on women and girls when developing advice for Ministers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

The reduction in official development assistance (ODA) has raised concerns about its effect on gender equality initiatives.

Question

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the reduction in ODA on gender equality in the developing world. Tackling gender inequality is a core part of our mission, confirmed by the integrated review and prioritizing girls' education spending £430 million this year.

Answer from Wendy Morton

Tackling gender inequality is a core part of our mission, confirmed by the integrated review and prioritizing girls' education spending £430 million this year. We launched the £67.5 million What Works to Prevent Violence: Impact at Scale programme at the recent Generation Equality Forum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of reducing ODA on gender equality projects were not addressed.

How: Tackling Gender Inequality Is A Core Part Of Our Mission, We Prioritise Girls' Education And Launched A Programme

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Q2 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Taxation Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

The recent cut in ODA to 0.5% of GNI has prompted concerns about the effect on gender equality projects, despite recommendations from the Gender Equality Advisory Council for maintaining commitment.

Question

Will she assess the effect of reducing ODA to 0.5% of GNI and work with Cabinet colleagues to mitigate harm? The council recommended renewing commitment to the 0.7% target and ring-fencing funding for gender equality projects.

Answer from Wendy Morton

The UK will still spend over £10 billion on ODA in 2021. Officials considered impacts on women and girls when developing advice for Ministers, part of the decision-making process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of impact and mitigation efforts were not detailed.

How: The Uk Will Spend Over £10 Billion On Oda In 2021, Officials Considered Impacts On Women

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