Our new research Making Places Work for Women explores how place-based systems change can work for women in local areas.
Authored by the Point People for Agenda, it warns that the system aimed at helping vulnerable women is instead failing them.
Drawing on new qualitative research and the existing literature on gender, place-based approaches and systems change, it highlights a number of obstacles to women getting the support they need, including: poor data collection, unrealistic commissioning practices, siloed working, funding cuts and cultural barriers.
It suggests that not only do councils, the health service, police, charities and other bodies need to take gender into account, but they must also work together in a more ‘open and inclusive’ way to make a positive difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged.
It says ‘place-based systems change’ – a deliberate effort by organisations in a specific area to work in a more joined-up way to support people – could help women if implemented in the right way, with gender taken into account.
The discussion paper, funded by Lankelly Chase, sets out recommendations specifically for councils, central government and funders.
As well as calling for action on a local level, it urges central government to ensure that they provide the leadership and funding to support place-based systems change in local areas.
