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Development Aid: Women

Asked by Mr Lee DillonLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 23 June 2026UIN 9931

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to increase direct funding and support for local women- and girl-led organisations and movements.

Answered by Chris Elmore

The new UK International Strategic Framework on Women & Girls sets out a new commitment that, by 2030, at least 90 per cent of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office bilateral official development assistance programmes will have a focus on protecting the rights and safety of women and girls. In keeping with our new approach to development, we will continue to support and fund local, women-led groups who are best placed to drive real change in their own communities.

The Framework also outlines our commitment to supporting women-led and women's rights organisations (WROs), championing their leadership and expertise and building new partnerships, collaborations and funding to secure sustainable long-term finance. Our flagship £39 million global programme is working to strengthen grassroots WROs and movements, including through our partnership with the Equality Fund.

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