A new UK-wide study has revealed vast regional disparities in gender-based outcomes relating to economic success and growth.
In their analysis of Gender Equality Index UK (GEIUK) data, researchers from Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London found that 10 local authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland experience the poorest levels of gender equality and have gender-based outcomes below the national average.
The 10 lowest-ranking local authorities are united in their shared economic deprivation due to a deterioration of key industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
The areas with the highest levels of gender parity are those in the south of England: Hammersmith and Fulham, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth and Waltham Forest, contrasting the equally substandard outcomes in northern regions of England.
The research associated strong gender parity with better growth outcomes for both men and women, highlighting that ‘gender equality is not, and has never been, a zero-sum game’.
Researchers reinforced the need for greater equality in the sector of unpaid domestic work, where men’s participation rates are lower, whilst women lack representation in the political sphere and business leadership roles.
To support positive gender-based outcomes across the board, researchers also emphasised the importance of improving women’s access to professional networks, lengthening paternity leave, increasing affordable childcare options and implementing regional development initiatives informed by gender data.
Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership said the GEIUK data ‘suggests a profound opportunity – not just to close gender gaps, but to promote inclusive regional growth and shared prosperity.’
