Key facts
- The UK government has withdrawn funding for the SHEFE program.
- The SHEFE program aimed to keep 1 million girls in school.
- The program targeted regions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- The project received £45 million in funding.
- The SHEFE program was cut after two years.
- The FCDO cited a need to increase defense spending as the reason for the cut.
The British government has terminated funding for the Strengthening higher education for female empowerment (SHEFE) program, a project that had the objective of supporting 1 million girls to remain in education across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The program, which received £45 million in funding, was discontinued after two years of operation. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cited a requirement to bolster defense spending as the reason for withdrawing financial support for SHEFE. This decision means the program will not continue its work in supporting female education in the targeted regions. The SHEFE program was intended to provide educational opportunities and empowerment for women and girls in developing countries. Its cessation raises concerns about the future of such initiatives and the commitment to gender equality in international development aid.