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Your monthly round up of what we've been up to
Plus the latest research, events & vacancies.
Dear Subscribers, 

Hello from us at the UK Women's Budget Group. We hope that this newsletter finds you safe and well. 

Here is your monthly round up of what we've been up to and other news and events from across the women's sector.

If you would like us to include any news, publications, research projects or events in this newsletter, please reply to this email! 

Before we get stuck in, we have some exciting events and opportunities to share:

Local Government Finance: Can Equality Impact Assessments Make a Difference?
Friday 30th April 2021 | 13:00-14:00pm BST

Local government has lost 50% of funding over the last ten years - disproportionately impacting women who are more likely to work in local govt, use local services or care for someone relying on local services.
 
Join us to discuss a new briefing by Dr Olumide Adisa and Fiona Costello (University of Suffolk) on the importance of equality impact assessments in local government budgeting, in eliminating the gendered disparities of service cuts.

Chaired by Heather Wakefield (former Head of Local Government at Unison and Visiting Fellow at University of Greenwich), with Cllr Kalwinder Sandhu (Coventry City Council) and Emily Bell (UK Women’s Budget Group).

Bringing a Caring Economy to the 4 Nations
Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th 2021 | 13:00-17:00 BST

Want to learn more about gender budgeting across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales? Join us for an upcoming conference with our partners: Scottish Women's Budget Group, Northern Ireland Women's Budget Group and Chwarae Teg.

We will explore what has worked well in four nations collaboration and ways to work together in bringing a caring, green economy to the UK. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an open space session exploring how activism and research can create change at policy level. Find out how you can get involved here!

Feminist Green New Deal – Call for Tenders – Housing
Hours: Freelance, approx. 4 days work, Salary: £1000 Closing Date: Tuesday 20th April 2021 
We are currently seeking an experienced researcher to write a policy paper with a focus on rethinking housing supply and design in a zero-carbon economy that is inclusive, accessible and designed with the needs of women in mind. Click here to learn more

If you like what we are bringing you, forward this email to a friend or two so they can sign up to be members of the Women's Budget Group here. 

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WBG: what we've been working on

A missed opportunity to ‘Build Back Better’ Our response to the Spring Budget 2021
We published our full gendered analysis of the Spring Budget 2021. 

Only 38% of women in the UK believe the Government’s Covid 19 response has focused on issues that matter most to them
Our joint research with leading gender equality organisations shows that less than one third of young women and disabled women believe the government is acting in their best interests - read more here.

Disabled mothers three times more likely to have lost work during the pandemic
In collaboration with the Fawcett Society, Engender and Close the Gap (Scotland), Women Equality Network Wales, and Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group (NIWBG), our research shows that the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to amplify disadvantages experienced by disabled parents and the Government must take decisive action to tackle this.

WBG responds to the National Audit Office report on Social Care Markets
Director Mary-Ann Stephenson comments on the stark underfunding of the social care sector as outlined in the report, advocating the need to invest in social care markets to minimise gender employment and pay gaps and help stimulate the economic recovery.

Fair Tax response to government consultation on 'transforming public procurement'
The Women's Budget Group have supported Fair Tax's response to the government consultation on public procurement - read more here. 

A Minimum Income Guarantee – income security for women?
Marilyn Howard, Honorary Research Associate and doctoral student at University of Bristol, guest writes on our blog outlining the case for Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) as an alternative to Universal Basic Income (UBI), in a bid to improve social security provisions.

Women’s Policy Group NI - COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan
Our work was cited in Women's Policy Group NI report, envisioning a feminist recovery from Covid-19, which includes investing in a care-led recovery and reforming the social care system to be truly inclusive, accessible and fair. 

Shaping the COVID decade: addressing the long-term societal impacts of COVID-19
Sara Reid and Anna Johnston, members of our Research and Policy team, are quoted in The British Academy's response to Government Office for Science on the gendered impact of the pandemic on issues ranging from employment to caring responsibilities.

Why data is key to advance equality
Emily Bell talks about our Local Data Project, funded by Trust for London, which aims to strengthen the capacity of local organisations to find the data they need to evidence inequality problems in their area, particularly those to do with women’s economic disadvantage.

Spring Webinar Series: Inequalities and Covid-19
In case you missed it, our last event 'Tax Justice, Gender Justice' in collaboration with Tax Justice UK is now available on our website, along with recordings of previous events - click here to find out more. 

Find everything the Women's Budget Group has done on Covid-19 here. This includes our reports on the impact that Covid-19 has on Social Security and Social Care, as well as joint letters, policy responses, and more. 

Find it all here
What else has been happening...?

The Cost of Covid-19: Economic abuse in the pandemic
Surviving Economic Abuse have published a new report exploring the experiences and needs of individuals facing economic abuse from a current or former partner throughout the pandemic and developing recommendations to address this crisis.

VOICES FROM LOCKDOWN – A WAY FORWARD FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
New research by Agenda bringing together three waves of research throughout the past year, on the impact the pandemic has had on women, girls and the organisations supporting them, advocating the need for government to focus on a social recovery for women and girls going forward.

"IT FEELS AS THOUGH MY THIRD CHILD DOESN'T MATTER"
This joint report from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), the Church of England and the Welfare Reform and Larger Families research project presents the latest estimates of the number of families affected by the two-child limit, and provides an insight into the impact of the policy using survey data from families directly affected by it. 

New polling shows majority of the public now oppose the government’s two-child limit policy
Polling released by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) shows more than two-thirds of adults in the UK believe the government should scrap or suspend the two child-limit – including the majority of Conservative supporters.

Where are the women? Mapping the gender job gap in AI
Research by the Alan Turing Institute reveal extensive disparities between women and men in skills, status, pay, seniority, industry, job, attrition rates in the tech industry, highlighting the need for effective policy responses to address these gaps, and ensure societies as a whole can enjoy the benefits of technological advances.

Women losing out under furlough scheme
Research by the Global Institute for Women's leadership at King's College London has found that women are more likely to be furloughed for longer periods and with lesser financial security, compared to men.

Timeliness of local auditor reporting on local government in England, 2020
Published by National Audit Office (NAO) the report outlines the pressures facing the local auditing system, particularly over the past year with the pressures of Covid-19, and the associated impact on ensuring robust management of finances and in securing value for money for local services.

Evidence for the Public Inquiry on the Effects of Quantitative Easing – 
Professor Ozlem Onaran (University of Greenwich) submitted evidence on the effects of Quantitative Easing by the House of Lords Economics Affairs Committee, referencing WBG research on the impact of such policies in widening gendered disparities in care work, employment and wealth inequalities. Read more here.

Older People and Financial Security policy paper
Ambition for Ageing provides a summary of the scope of key discussions and existing research on the topic of financial security. It identifies fourteen topic areas including the impact of Covid-19 on pensions and retirement, as well as highlighting recommended actions going forward.

The careers and time use of mothers and fathers
A briefing note published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies highlighting the gender gaps in employment, working hours and wages after workers become parents.

How the benefit system can do more to support women
A blog post by Policy in Practice exploring how the benefit system can do more to support women, how it has impacted women during the pandemic, and how it can be changed to create a more equal benefit system.

Continuing confusion about Universal Credit and couples
Marilyn Howard (University of Bristol) and Fran Bennett (University of Oxford), have written a blog post for PolicyBristol Hub on the government’s continuing confusion on Universal Credit and couples.

'I'm being financially punished because I'm in a relationship'
BBC Three reports on the young people who are being denied universal credit because they live with their partner.

Campaign to end young parent penalty in Scotland
The Scotsman reports on the penalties young single parents face when applying for Universal Credit based on their age.

Choosing to challenge – the EU Gender Equality Strategy one year in
Eurofound have published a blog reviewing the European Commission's Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, outlining the ways in which the pandemic threatens to reverse progress for women across employment, pay and gender roles. 

Update: How is the response to coronavirus affecting gender equality?
Article by Economics Observatory on how mothers have been hit particularly hard during this crisis, compared to fathers or those without children, resulting in widening inequalities. 

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on BAME carers in Coventry and Leicester
University of Warwick have announced a major new study into how social and economic inequalities have affected health and care provision during the pandemic, led by a consortium of academics focussing on Practices for Wellbeing and Resilience in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Families and Communities (Co-POWeR).

Tax day was a bit of a flop
An article by Tax Justice UK outlining the ways in which the recent Spring Budget falls short of tackling the big issues in the tax system.

#BlackLivesShattered – colonialism, tax havens, and African development
Dara Latinwo, One Young World ambassador, has published an article with Tax Justice Network discussing how tax havens and illicit financial flows have thwarted African development in the decades since many states won their independence from European empires. 

Call on the Government to #StopThe500 prison places for women
In response to government plans on building 500 new prison places for women, Women in Prison have launched a new campaign, advocating for increased investment in community-based services to tackle issues which help reduce risk of offending. Click here to learn more.
 
#UnmuteTheWorld
Virt has launched a campaign to #UnmuteTheWorld, aiming to bridge the gap in digital divides and advocating the internet as a human right, providing easy access to online resources and conversations.

Feminist Activists on Brexit: From the Political to the Personal
Sue Cohen (University of Bristol) and Margaret Page (University of the West of England) have recently published a new book with Emerald Publishing drawing attention to women's participation in transformative democratic processes and how women in UK have been made 'other' by the political environment created by Brexit.

Autonomy: Feminist Futures Programme
The newly launched Feminist Futures Programme aims to disseminate ideas from new and established feminist voices, collaborate with researchers from various disciplines, and create and publish original research on topics ranging from feminist economics to social reproduction - read more here.

Sisters not Strangers: A Call to Action
Sisters not Strangers is a grassroots coalition supporting refugee women, and led by refugee women - you can watch a recording of their latest event campaigning against new immigration proposals by the Home Office to limit asylum appeals and new claims here.

How to empower... women in work
Podcast hosted by PwC, focusses on the challenges facing women in work today and what government and businesses can do to improve the experiences of women.

Intersections of Gender, Work/Family, and Social Policy: A Graduate/Early-Career Workshop, The London School of Economics and University of Cambridge
Graduate and early-career scholars from within the UK and beyond researching the intersections of gender, work/family, and social policy are invited to apply to a one-day workshop on August 25, 2021. Find out more here.

Treasurer (Trustee) – Rape Crisis South London
Rape Crisis South London are in urgent need of a passionate feminist with a finance or accounting qualification and up to date knowledge of financial reporting requirements for charities to join their voluntary board of trustees as a treasurer. This is an excellent opportunity to use your skills to help support survivors of sexual violence. Location flexible. To find out more about the role please contact the Chair of Trustees Dr Fiona Vera-Gray Fiona.vera-gray@durham.ac.uk
In other news...

Vacancies:

Treasurer (Trustee), Rape Crisis South London
Hours: TBC Salary: Voluntary Closing Date: Tuesday 4th May 2021

Treasurer (Trustee), Lifting Limits
Hours: varied - estimated avg. 4 hours per month Salary: Voluntary Closing Date: Rolling

Communications Officer, Advice and Information, Maternity Action
Hours: 21 hours per week Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro rata) Closing Date: Sunday 18 April 2021 

Feminist Green New Deal – Call for Tenders – Housing, UK Women's Budget Group
Hours: Freelance, approx. 4 days work, Salary: £1000 Closing Date: Tuesday 20th April 2021 

Programme Officer (Non-Discrimination), Sigrid Rausing Trust
Hours: Full time Salary: £48, 719 per annum Closing Date: Sunday 25 April 2021 

Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns, Just Fair
Hours: 35 hours per week Salary: £35-37,000 per annum Closing Date: Monday 26 April 2021 (9am)

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Coordinator, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Ealing)
Hours: 35 hours per week Salary: £30,000 per annum Closing Date: Thursday 29th April 2021 (8am)

Senior Research Officer (Income Inequalities), The Equality Trust
Hours: 35 hours per week Salary: £31,858 per annum Closing Date: Tuesday 4 May 2021 (9am)

Realising Change: Care, Gender and COVID-19: Funded PhD Studentship with Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow School for Business and Society)
Hours: 3 years full time PhD Salary: Tuition Fees and a maintenance stipend of £20,009 per annum Closing Date: 10 May 2021

Economic Consultant (Finance), Frontier Economics
Hours: Full Time Salary: £55,000 per annum Closing Date: Wednesday 2 July 2021 (9am)
Online Events

Using the Capabilities Approach to Conceptualise Wellbeing
Monday 19 April 2021 | 18:30 - 20:00pm (BST)
Led by Ingrid Robeyns, leading feminist writer on the capability approach, one of the many different frameworks that can be used to conceptualise wellbeing. Hosted by The Human Development Capability Association (HDCA) This seminar will address the following questions: How does one use the capability approach to conceptualise wellbeing? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the capability approach to conceptualise well-being? For which purposes is this an appropriate framework, and in which contexts should one consider using another framework?

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on working women
Tuesday 27 April 2021 | 13:00 - 14:30pm (BST)
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on work and working lives, and there is a recognised need to consider the issue of differential impacts across demographic groups. This event hosted by the Work and Equalities Institute will consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on working women looking at issues such as equality at work, flexible work, parental support, and pregnant workers. 

Book Launch: in Conversation with Helen Jackson
Thursday 29th April 2021 | 19:00 (BST)
A story of how class solidarity translated into creative and radical local initiative, with fairness at its core, during the 1970s and 1980s. Contributors took the experience into their later work, lives and careers. Helen Jackson was one of them. Hosted by Marx Memorial Library, join Helen as she discusses her life and work with key figures from the trade union and labour movements. Read more here.

Local Government Finance: Can Equality Impact Assessments Make a Difference?
Friday 30th April 2021 | 13:00-14:00pm (BST)
Local government has lost 50% of funding over the last ten years - disproportionately impacting women who are more likely to work in local govt, use local services or care for someone relying on local services. Join us to discuss a new briefing by Dr Olumide Adisa and Fiona Costello (University of Suffolk) on the importance of equality impact assessments. Chaired by Heather Wakefield (former Head of Local Government at Unison and Visiting Fellow at University of Greenwich), with Cllr Kalwinder Sandhu (Coventry City Council) and Emily Bell (UK Women’s Budget Group). Register here.

Bringing a Caring Economy to the 4 Nations
Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th 2021 | 13:00-17:00 (BST)
Join us for an upcoming conference on gender budgeting with our partners: Scottish Women's Budget Group, Northern Ireland Women's Budget Group and Chwarae Teg. We will explore what has worked well in four nations collaboration and ways to work together in bringing a caring, green economy to the UK. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an open space session exploring how activism and research can create change at policy level. Register here.
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The Women’s Budget Group scrutinises government policy from a gender perspective. We are a network of leading feminist economists, researchers, policy experts and campaigners committed to achieving a more gender equal future. We have worked towards this since 1989.

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