One day, today

Our latest report is a pilot project led by One Day and funded by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) as part of Research England’s Strategic Priorities fund. Its purpose is to build on the voluntary actions and activity sparked by One Day and formalise and deepen partnerships and collaborative opportunities. It highlights the importance and need for more evidence-based research and data broken down by gender and race, which can better support policy making at a local level to be more effective. LJMU is committed to continuing this partnership and research support.

This report is largely aimed at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. We also hope that others may see this as a call to action and use it to drive accountability in their regions.

England’s combined authorities have significant economic responsibilities as part of the devolution agenda. They have a collective influence on regional economic decision-making and a portfolio that includes transport and spatial planning, post-16 skills training, business support services and economic development.

The Combined Authority (CA) plays a crucial role in leading the recovery and growing economically out of the coronavirus pandemic and we welcome the LCR CA’s Corporate Plan for 2021-2024. This plan sets out a desire for a fairer, stronger, cleaner city region, where no one is left behind. We now urge the CA to put this into action, embed the results of this report in policy and planning going forward.

We have provided case studies and evidence of the potential for scale in Liverpool City Region’s economy, when roles carried out by women – 51% of the local population – are championed and supported.

This evidence identifies a lack of investment in women-run businesses; the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and furlough/ SEISS on women locally, and a lack of representation, whether in the boardroom or a strategic local government level. We recommend using data separated by gender (and other protected characteristics) to fully understand the impact of current decision making, reduce the gender pay gap and create transformational systemic change. And we continue to remain vigilant and campaign for a safer environment for women to live, work and travel in.

The evidence shows that diversity is a powerful economic driver. We must use this knowledge to grasp these advantages and support ALL 1.6 million citizens of Liverpool City Region. A more inclusive city region will be a better one for everyone – higher economic growth must mean higher wellbeing for all.

The report concludes with a fundamental ask of the Combined Authority – to establish a Women’s Economy Board (WEB), with a remit to hold it accountable – not only on behalf of women, but all of use who live and work in the region. Our research is captured in ten objectives – click here to download and read it…