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The Dutch government is making significant cuts to development cooperation and eliminating support for women’s rights and gender equality. This is outlined in the letter on the new development policy, published today. At a time when the rights, safety and bodily autonomy of women and girls worldwide are under pressure, this is deeply concerning. Marieke van der Plas (Executive Director at Rutgers): “Now more than ever, the Netherlands should be championing women’s rights and the rights of marginalised groups, which are constantly under threat.”
It’s encouraging to see the government to continue to prioritise health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Investments in access to contraception, safe abortion care and reliable information for women and girls are essential for healthy, safe and stable societies. Maintaining this commitment in the coming years is crucial. However, this commitment is undermined by the decision to cut funding for women’s rights and gender equality. Marieke van der Plas:
“Sexual health and women’s rights are inextricably linked, and cutting funding for women’s rights will inevitably lead to setbacks, including in the sexual health of women and girls.”
What’s at stake
It is deeply concerning that the government is ending funding for women’s rights and gender equality. When women and LGBTQI+ people are denied control over their own bodies or excluded from access to quality healthcare, the consequences for their health, freedom and safety are severe. Recent research shows that for 1.1 billion women worldwide, progress on equal rights has stalled or even reversed. Stricter abortion laws, restricted access to contraception and threats against LGBTQI+ people undermine hard-won rights. Freedom of choice, access to quality healthcare and reliable information are not a given—they must be actively protected and defended. Women’s rights defenders play a crucial role in this.
The majority of the Dutch Parliament, including coalition parties, has repeatedly expressed support for Dutch aid aimed at improving the health and equality of women, girls and LGBTQI+ people. The majority of parliament also acknowledge that this must remain a priority in Dutch policy. However, with this policy brief and these cuts, the government is doing precisely the opposite, undermining progress.
Budget cuts to civil society organisations
The government has also announced further major cuts to civil society organisations, which are essential for promoting sexual health worldwide. Dutch organisations work closely with local partners in other countries, combining their knowledge and expertise to drive meaningful and transformative change for people’s health, safety and equality around the world. If these networks and organisations face severe budget cuts, this vital work will come under immense pressure and important progress will be lost.
Marieke van der Plas:
“By withdrawing support, the Netherlands risks losing its influence on the global stage and rolling back the progress we have achieved together. We call on Dutch politicians to take action: ensure that Dutch support for sexual health and women’s rights is not lost!”
