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The UK government’s recent reduction in its international aid budget raises urgent concerns about the future of vital services such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) that disproportionately affect women and girls. As Rupa Huq, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on WASH, highlights, these cuts could have devastating consequences for those already faced with the challenges of poverty and gender inequality.
The Consequences of Aid Reductions
One year after the government announced significant cuts to the aid budget, Huq warns that the repercussions are already being felt. With £6.5 billion cut from the aid budget by 2028—representing a staggering 40 per cent reduction—critical funding for WASH initiatives is likely to be slashed. This comes at a time when nearly one in four people worldwide lacks access to safe drinking water, leading to almost 400,000 preventable child deaths each year from diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
The stark reality is that women and girls bear the brunt of this crisis. They are often responsible for collecting water for their families, which not only removes them from educational opportunities but also exposes them to potential violence. As Huq notes, “A failure to provide clean water and sanitation makes it impossible to achieve the aim of giving women and girls more control over their lives.”
The Link Between WASH and Education
Access to proper sanitation facilities is crucial for girls’ education. Evelyn Mere, the country director for WaterAid Nigeria, poignantly described how the lack of adequate toilets forces many girls to miss school during their menstrual cycles. “Once menstruation starts, they stay away from school. That negatively impacts their educational performance,” she explained, drawing attention to the long-term consequences of these barriers.
This connection between WASH services and educational access is not merely a statistic; it represents the lost potential of countless young women who could contribute to their communities and economies if given the chance. Huq emphasises that it is imperative for the government to recognise these realities as it navigates its international commitments.
The Economic Implications
The cuts to the WASH budget are not just a humanitarian concern; they also threaten economic growth. As highlighted by WaterAid, Nigeria could develop a “sanitation economy” worth $26 billion by 2030—creating jobs and boosting local businesses through the provision of sanitation facilities. If the UK were to invest in WASH services, it would align with the strategic partnership formed with Nigeria to promote economic development and job creation.
However, the government’s decision to move away from direct delivery of WASH services raises alarms. While partnerships with developing nations are essential, they must not serve as a pretext for reducing vital funding. Huq urges the government to avoid repeating the mistakes of previous administrations, which drastically cut WASH spending by 78 per cent, undermining the UK’s commitment to the UN’s goal of universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
A Call to Action
The UK’s commitment to placing women and girls “at the heart of everything we do” in international development must be backed by action. With strong public support—54 per cent of Britons prioritising clean water and sanitation in development aid—it is crucial for MPs and government officials to heed the call for sustained investment in these essential services.
Huq’s advocacy for women and girls resonates deeply in a world where access to basic rights is still a privilege rather than a guarantee. The responsibility lies with the UK government to uphold its commitments and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to the fundamental right to water and sanitation.
Why it Matters
The implications of the UK’s aid cuts extend far beyond financial figures; they touch the very lives of millions who depend on these services for their health, education, and dignity. By neglecting WASH initiatives, the government risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality that hinder progress not only in developing nations but also in global stability and prosperity. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation is essential not just for survival, but for empowering women and girls to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society.
