International Women's Day: Spotlight Projects in Public Affairs
'Accelerating Action' means taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, and calls for an increase in momentum and urgency to address systemic barriers and biases women face. The following projects provide an overview of their aims, insight into how they are able to support accelerated action, and lastly what the researcher involved would like to explore further to continue advancing gender equality.
Economic Abuse Survey
Haley Jones
Project Overview:
Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) commissioned Ipsos to measure the prevalence of economic abuse (EA) among women nationwide and investigate how it affects those who experienced it. The intention was to shine a light on a population whose voice is not regularly heard, and on an issue that is often covered up. Additionally, SEA hosted a parliamentary reception on 26 November 2024, Economic Abuse Awareness Day, at which MPs and representatives from the financial and third sector committed to raising awareness.
How does the project align with the theme of 'accelerating action'?
The research is an example of accelerated action as it spoke truth to power in a multitude of ways. Firstly, this survey amplified under-reported views and hidden experiences on a topic that is rarely addressed.
Bringing powerful data to decision makers in parliament and the financial sector is key to accelerating action and uplifting voices. We feel confident that the research is being put to use as MPs in attendance including Jess Philips and Matthew Patrick, committed to raising wider awareness and government action.
The research has also been key for accelerating action as members of the financial sector spoke at the parliamentary event about interventions that they have in place to support victim-survivors of EA, including debt forgiveness and funding to help victim-survivors leave their abusers.
Researcher's interests:
If we could conduct more research, it would be amazing to follow up with the 15% of women who have experienced EA to understand what supports they are looking for, or what they’ve used that have been effective. Including victim-survivors in support service development is key in accelerating action and create supports that best serve their intended audience.
Climate Finance Accelerator
Elena Mastrogregori and Kristen Taylor
Project Overview:
The Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) is a technical assistance programme funded by International Climate Finance (ICF), through the UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The CFA supports emerging economies to unlock the flow of climate finance to deliver their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. In practice, the programme provides capacity building to projects seeking finance, bringing them together with finance providers and policymakers, to enable a collaborative approach to unlocking a steady flow of funding for climate projects.
Ensuring gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) is a key co-benefit of the CFA and GESI is embedded in all stages of the programme, so that the programme contributes to gender equality and social inclusion, does no harm and does not perpetuate inequalities. A consortium led by Ipsos UK has been commissioned to be the evaluation and learning partner for the CFA.
The mid-term evaluation report was published in 2024, highlighting key accomplishments and recommendations for the future of the programme.
How does the project align with the theme of 'accelerating action'?
The project can "accelerate action" by focusing on the integration of gender equality and social inclusion in climate action. Climate change is expected to disproportionately impact certain groups due to higher reliance on natural resources and lack of access to routes for responding to climate change issues. These groups include women, the elderly, vulnerable, and people with disabilities, and the CFA has taken an approach to assess potential risks and opportunities for these groups to support prevention of exclusion or vulnerability.
The CFA considers GESI aspects in project selection, and offers dedicated training to projects (webinars, 1-to-1 opportunities for projects to work with GESI experts, develop a GESI Action Plan). The mid-term evaluation showed that GESI training has been considered by project proponents one of the most relevant and useful aspects of capacity building, and highlighted the benefits of integrating GESI in all steps of the programme. Participants considered GESI training “valuable, novel, and effective”, and made changes to their projects to incorporate GESI targets or measures. For example, key 'entry points' for GESI in projects were providing employment and leadership opportunities for women, ensuring access and affordability to services and products; supporting businesses owned by women and excluded groups
Researcher's interests:
If we could conduct more research in this area, it would be interesting to follow up with participants and discuss the details of their GESI business plan. Whilst we know from the evaluation that participants found the training valuable and have been making efforts to implement such, it would be interesting to know the extent to which that they have planned is actionable, and what the specific impacts will be.
Cybersecurity Skills and Gender Inequality in the Workforce
Sarah Mchugh
Project Overview:
The cyber security industry is vital for protecting citizens and organisations and facilitating economic growth in our increasingly digital world. However, the industry faces a persistent gender diversity challenge, even more so than in other digital sectors. The lack of representation not only hinders equality but also limits innovation and effectiveness within the sector. Ipsos’ annual study "Cyber security skills in the UK labour market" has been running since 2018, and tracks skills and diversity among cyber roles in the UK. It played a central role in the development of the UK Cyber Security Council’s equality roadmap from 2023, identifying the key barriers and opportunities for women in cyber security.
How does the project align with the theme of 'accelerating action'?
Our study is more than just identifying barriers and opportunities, and acknowledging the gender gap. It aligns with the theme of "accelerating action" by highlighting actionable steps for positive change, including:
- Expanding the recruitment pool: To increase the number of female candidates, firms should shift away from relying solely on personal networks and unrealistic job specifications. By embracing diverse backgrounds and prioritising transferable skills, the industry can tap into a much wider talent pool.
- Promoting inclusive recruitment practices: By ensuring formal job postings are written with gender-neutral language and realistic requirements. Involving HR departments in the recruitment process can help mitigate unconscious bias and ensure a fairer evaluation of candidates.
- Highlighting the importance of non-technical skills: Recognising that cyber security requires more than just technical expertise, the report emphasises the value of communication, project management, and analytical skills. By giving equal weight to these "softer skills" in job descriptions, the industry can attract a broader range of talent, including more women.
- Fostering collaboration and mentorship: The report stresses the importance of role models and mentors in inspiring and supporting women in cyber security. Big businesses can play a crucial role by sharing best practices and resources with smaller firms, fostering a more inclusive environment across the sector.
- Showcasing diverse role models and career paths: By actively promoting female role models and highlighting diverse career journeys within cyber security, the industry can challenge stereotypes and inspire the next generation of female professionals.
Further Research:
To further explore this year's theme, research could delve deeper into:
- Evaluating the impact of diversity initiatives: Measuring the effectiveness of different diversity programs and identify best practices for attracting and retaining women in cyber security.
- Understanding the experiences of women in cyber security: Conducting surveys, interviews or focus groups to gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women at different stages of their careers.
- Exploring the role of education and early intervention: Investigating the drivers and barriers to girls and young women of pursuing STEM education and considering careers in cyber security.
GambleAware: Evaluation of Community Resilience Fund (CRF)
Joanna Scott
Project Overview:
GambleAware, a charity that commissions gambling harms education and support , have been investing in research and funded programmes to better understand the impact of gambling harms on women and address inequalities in access and uptake of gambling harms support. At Ipsos, we’ve been lucky enough to work with them to evaluate their Community Resilience Fund (CRF). The CRF provided grants to community-based organisations across Great Britain to develop and deliver gambling harms support and awareness, with a particular focus on reaching underserved communities. This funding programme has been designed to explore, among other things, what works for addressing the unique challenges women face to access gambling harms support.
How does the project align with the theme of 'accelerating action'?
The learning emerging from the evaluation highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and tailored approaches to effectively engage women. For example, Shama Women's Centre in Leicester is an organisation dedicated to empowering women from black and minority ethnic communities who might otherwise experience isolation due to cultural barriers. They found that creating women-only spaces was crucial for enabling open conversations about gambling. Many women felt unable to discuss their experiences in mixed-gender settings due to shame and societal pressures. Shama Women’s Centre's approach, characterised by confidentiality, care, and compassion, allowed women to share their stories and access much-needed support.
Similarly, Simon Community Scotland, a charity that provides information, advice, care and support to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, recognised the need for a targeted approach to address gambling harms among their female service users. With funding from GambleAware they implemented a comprehensive training programme for staff, developed tailored resources, and created a range of access points for support, including drop-in clinics and conversation cafes. This holistic approach, combined with a focus on building trust and rapport, proved effective in engaging women and connecting them with appropriate services.
Future research:
Our evaluation of the Community Resilience Fund is continuing until March 2026. We hope to further explore the learning from GambleAware’s funded programmes to support them to better understand how to tailor services and address inequalities in gambling harms.
On a personal note, I’ve gained a lot from getting to know and exploring the learning from the funded projects. I joined Ipsos in 2022 because of the opportunities we have here to use our research and evaluation expertise to support organisations to better understand how to address inequalities and improve health and care. From this project I’ve learnt about gambling harms and how essential more tailored and targeted approaches are needed to ensure women and other minoritised groups are confident and able to access the information and support they need.
