Economies for everyone: Participation and intersectionality
A collaborative workshop exploring how to improve participation in order to build local economies that are inclusive by intent.
Traditional, top down and centralized power systems are no longer fit for purpose. As we face down brutal realities we face this winter it is clear that we need a new approach to the stewardship of place, which listens and responds directly to the lived experience of communities. Women’s Budget Group and CLES are joining forces to explore what gender-inclusive local economic development looks like in practice, and what it would take for this to become a mainstream approach. We will host two interactive workshops in October, examining in more detail the key themes which emerged from an online discussion we held to mark International Women’s Day 2022.
The first of two events, looking at participation and intersectionality, will consider how to seek out the voices which are not usually heard, in order to deliver economic strategies that are inclusive by intent.
What is a gender inclusive economy?
“A gender inclusive economy features equal participation in paid employment, leadership, and care, with foundational services both well-provisioned and properly valued to enable that participation.”
Who is this for?
The events are aimed at local authority members and officers who are responsible for economic development, and for feminists who have an interest in local economies. We welcome anyone who has a passion for either subject.
What will I learn?
The events will be chaired by Sara Reis and Sarah Longlands, and each will feature an inspirational case study to showcase existing work in each of the focus areas. Attendees will then work collaboratively to explore how to challenge systemic gender bias and to identify the key steps to delivering an inclusive economic strategy.
These events are part of a wider call to action for councils to take equalities and diversity seriously when it comes to local economies and the sessions will inform a programme of future research and action for CLES and Women’s Budget Group.
