Feminist Solidarity in a Time of Aid Cuts and Backlash: Reflecting, Resisting, Reimagining

June 2025

What this members' meeting was about

Against the backdrop of what appears to be the beginning of the dismantling of global aid as we know it – from the quasi-abolishment of USAID, to a slashing of UK aid – as well as escalating attacks on women and girls’ rights by increasingly powerful anti-gender and anti-rights actors and misogynist governments, this is a difficult moment for our sector. 

This GADN members’ meeting provided an opportunity for members to come together in feminist solidarity during this challenging time. We took stock of the current moment, heard insights from an expert panel, reflected on how GADN members are responding to these unfolding challenges and sought to find some collective hope in the midst of it all. Our brilliant panel included: 

  • Dorothy Sang - Head of Advocacy and Policy, CARE International UK

  • Alex Farley - Policy and Advocacy Manager- Development Finance, Bond

  • Esua Goldsmith - Writer, Feminist Activist and Development Consultant at Anona Development

It was chaired by Piyumi Samaraweera, GADN Trustee and Advisor/Consultant on Feminist Leadership and Movements at CREA.


Meetings events webinarsGADN CoordinatorFeminist advocacy, UK Aid