1 Duty to have regard to gender inequality

(1) The International Development Act 2002 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 1 (development assistance), after subsection (1) insert—

“(1A) Before providing development assistance under subsection (1), the
5Secretary of State shall have regard to the desirability of providing
development assistance that is likely to contribute to reducing poverty
in a way which is likely to contribute to reducing inequality between
persons of different gender.”

(3) In section 3 (humanitarian assistance), after the existing provision (which
10becomes subsection (1)) insert—

“(2) Before providing assistance under subsection (1), the Secretary of State
shall have regard to the desirability of providing assistance under that
subsection in a way that takes account of any gender-related
differences in the needs of those affected by the disaster or emergency.”

(4) 15The requirement imposed by an amendment made by this section may be
satisfied by things done (wholly or in part) before the commencement of the
amendment (including things done before the passing of this Act).

2 Annual reporting

In section 4(1) of the International Development (Reporting and Transparency)

Act 2006 (annual report on effectiveness of aid), after paragraph (c) insert—

“(ca) what steps have been taken as a result of sections 1(1A) and 3(2)
of the International Development Act 2002 in pursuing
Millennium Development Goal 3,”.

3 5Short title, commencement and extent

(1) This Act may be cited as the International Development (Gender Equality) Act
2014.

(2) This Act shall come into force on the expiry of two months beginning with the
day on which it is passed.

(3) 10This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.