§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support Her Majesty's Government provide to encourage access by women to higher education in developing countries. [84430]
§ Clare ShortWe make clear in our White Paper in November 1997 that we are strongly committed to the international goals of universal primary education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary education by 2005. Our education programme focuses on these priorities. They reflect strong international evidence that investment in the education of girls is the single, most effective way to reduce poverty. The Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to supporting governments who give priority to the education of girls within their education systems.
Clearly, as more countries achieve universal primary education there will be greater demand for secondary and higher education. We will work with governments to help find ways to meet this demand. We provide support at higher education level through scholarship schemes and academic links. Our academic links programme has earmarked funds to encourage participation by women and all links are organised to ensure that they are properly represented.
Our support for the Commonwealth of Learning's efforts to develop ways of delivering education through distance and open learning systems will also facilitate increasing access by women in developing countries to higher education.