The UK government's decision to axe the £45 million 'Strengthening higher education for female empowerment' (SHEFE) programme has sparked outrage among those who had championed its goals of expanding access to higher education for women and girls in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The initiative, which was unveiled with great fanfare just two years ago, aimed to support one million students worldwide and promote gender equality through higher learning.
Although the programme's objectives included reducing child marriage, partner violence, and increasing economic independence among women, its cancellation has been met with disappointment from key stakeholders. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, had previously declared her commitment to prioritising women's welfare and safety, but critics argue that the government's actions have not matched its rhetoric. Bambos Charalambous, a Labour MP, has questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting it is another example of how aid cuts are undermining British efforts to support vulnerable communities overseas.
The cancellation of SHEFE is seen by many as part of a broader trend of UK government decisions that appear to contradict its stated commitment to women and girls. The recent restrictions on study visas for applicants from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, and Cameroon have disproportionately affected women who already face limited educational opportunities in their home nations.
Experts also point to the cancellation of other major education programmes, including the planned £150 million Education for All initiative in South Sudan, as evidence of a worrying trend. Last year, UK aid to girls' education was scaled back in several countries, including Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, with funding for the Girls' Education Department experiencing a 51% reduction.