Story perspectives

UK Cancels £45M SHEFE Programme, Sparking Women’s Empowerment Concerns

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government cancelled the £45 million SHEFE programme, prompting the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to withdraw the tender and end the two-year-old initiative.
Labour MP Bambos Charalambous warned the cancellation threatens women’s empowerment, reversing progress on gender-based violence.
A Foreign Office spokesperson linked the cuts to higher defence spending but said funding to combat violence against women and girls is protected this year.

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Story summary

The UK government cancelled the £45 million SHEFE programme, prompting the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to withdraw the tender and end the two-year-old initiative.
Labour MP Bambos Charalambous warned the cancellation threatens women’s empowerment, reversing progress on gender-based violence.
A Foreign Office spokesperson linked the cuts to higher defence spending but said funding to combat violence against women and girls is protected this year.