ODA Spending


How much ODA does the US allocate to gender equality?


The US ranked 2nd out of DAC donors in terms of its overall spending toward projects related to gender equality in 2023, and 23rd in terms of relative spending.


The US disbursed 15% of bilateral allocable ODA in support of gender equality in 2023, well below the DAC average.



How is US gender equality ODA changing?


The US spent far more on projects with gender equality as a significant objective (US$5.5 billion) rather than on those with gender equality as a principal focus, where gender equality is the main objective of the project or program (US$435 million).


It is expected that the Trump administration's combative stance on gender equality, LGBTQI+, and reproductive health will severely reduce or eliminate US gender equality funding in the coming years.



How does the US allocate gender equality ODA?


Bilateral Spending

'Health and populations' has long dominated sectoral disbursements to gender equality ODA.



Funding and Policy Outlook


What is the current government's outlook on gender equality ODA?


SRHR does not receive bipartisan support: Biden overturned the Mexico City Policy, which was previously reinstated by his predecessor, US President Donald Trump, to block US funding for both non- US NGOs directly involved in abortion services or abortion rights advocacy or for those who fund or support other groups which provide or discuss abortion. Biden’s State Department also lifted the ‘Kemp Kasten Amendment’ after four years, reinstating funding to UNFPA for SRHR projects, funding for which had been eliminated under the first Trump administration.


Key Bodies


Related Publications

The Budget Cuts Tracker

USAID in jeopardy: Cuts, lost trust, and a threat to development priorities

USAID in jeopardy: Cuts, lost trust, and a threat to development priorities

The state of ODA in 2025: A new year and new era for development assistance

Looking for a cross donor perspective?

Learn more about SEEK's work on gender equality

Our Experts

Our Experts

Explore other deep-dives