“New Developments in Third Sector Research” Tuesday 28 April 2009 The Gender and Community Engagement in Manchester (GEM) Research

The Gender and Participation –GAP- Unit is a non-profit organisation based in Manchester that seeks to promote gender equality We provide training and support that enables people to meet the challenges of building a more just, inclusive and equal society Our aim is to increase people’s understanding of gender gaps and inequalities and generate appropriate strategies to tackle them

We work in partnership with local groups and communities, voluntary organisations, service deliverers and policy makers in gender research, training, advocacy and dissemination activities. and inequalities and generate appropriate strategies to tackle them In particular, the GAP Unit works with women’s groups to help women in to gain confidence and skills and encourage them to take actions to address the key issues that affect them

The GAP Unit was established in 2006, as a spin off from a research project known as the GEM project (Gender and Community Engagement in Manchester), which had been run by Manchester Women’s Network (MWN) since 2003.

“gender analysis of existing community engagement processes with a view to informing strategy and practice” carried out a Between October 2003 and April 2005

To understand better the gender dynamics of community participation. Objectives 1. To raise awareness of gender issues from grass- root groups to city-wide policy makers. 2. To develop materials and frameworks ( “ toolkits ” ) for gender awareness training 3.

Levels and Structures Local / Ward level: o Community Forums o Ward Co-ordination Processes o Local Action Partnerships The GEM project looked at 16 structures across 3 levels of decision-making

Intermediate level: o Community Networks o Area Residents' Forums o New Deal Crime Task Group Levels and Structures The GEM project looked at 16 structures across 3 levels of decision-making

City-wide level o LSP Steering Group o CN4M Strategy Group o Crime and Disorder Partnership o Community Safety Network The GEM project looked at 16 structures across 3 levels of decision-making Levels and Structures

These 16 community-led / statutory structures and their processes had different degrees of community participation. Local-Community City-wide

Process A participatory process, involving learning and awareness-raising for all those taking part.

Workshops with In-depth interviews 132 men and women in different areas of the city oMixed groups of men and women across Manchester oMen-only and Women- only oAsian women oBlack men and women oYoung people oOver 55 ’ s people oLesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people and gay men Process Meetings and questionnaires Leaders and participants of the 16 structures

Some outcomes...

Production and distribution of reports, articles, leaflets, posters to community, voluntary and statutory organisations in Manchester

Presentations and feedback to groups and organisations involved and to policy makers and practitioners including: Oxfam UK Poverty Programme Neighbourhood Renewal Unit Royal Institute of Town Planners Labour Party Women’s Forum

Production of new, local data on gender and community engagement, focusing on excluded groups. General gender awareness raising – discussions and reflections on gender and participation issues. (around 800 people)

Organisations willing to incorporate gender into their work and policies Manchester Social Enterprise Forum: Development of a gender policy for social enterprises and social enterprise development agencies

Organisations willing to incorporate gender into their work and policies Transport Thematic Partnership – Towards Gender Sensitive Transport Services research

Organisations willing to incorporate gender into their work and policies Manchester Community Engagement Strategy for the Manchester Partnership and Manchester City Council: - Toolkit - Community Cohesion Working Group - Gender integrated into MCES Action Plan

Changing practice: actions taken by community and voluntary organisations Enhancement of men’s community work in Wythenshawe – action plan to improve men’s image of participation Establishment of a group of ‘Dad’s and Kids’ group in Old Moat

Changing practice: actions taken by community and voluntary organisations Gender & Participation module added to Youth & Community Work programme at Manchester Metropolitan University Whalley Range Forum – Asian women’s sub-forum set up.

Participation in Manchester City Council Gender Scrutiny Panel (quarterly meetings) Use of GEM resources by other groups (e.g. Voluntary Action Oldham) People brought together in their communities to discuss gender and ways to get involved in local decision making Development of new programmes: Training on gender and women’s empowerment Engendering transport services research

Training programme...

Different training programmes were designed that looked at gender awareness in the context of: empowerment and self-esteem participation in local decision making processes.

Some of the topics covered were: the concept of gender awareness of gender inequalities gender and society self-esteem and confidence building ideas about gender and participation equal opportunities

The diverse range of training participants included: Young mums Jewish women Men and women from a particular area or community organisation Women’s refuge residents Young lesbians Women from many different ethnic backgrounds Youth and community students Youth and community practitioners

Other training: - Gender awareness training for elected members and officers at Manchester City Council - Design of a course module on gender and participation for use within Manchester Metropolitan University’s health, social care and education DipHE BA and MA programmes

Key Aspects

Participatory research process Collection and use of specific local data has helped create interest and lend credibility. Active involvement of local people - organizing and co-facilitating workshops in their communities Friendly format of community meetings

Participatory research process Mutually beneficial meetings and workshops Participatory, inclusive and diverse methods of research Cross cutting of gender with age, ethnicity, sexuality. Feedback to the groups involved

All levels, all sectors Working simultaneously with community, voluntary and statutory sectors at local, intermediate and city-wide levels helped raise gender awareness, promote changes in practice and influence policies

 Generated contacts and networks in community, voluntary, and statutory sector  Gained credibility for the issues at local, national and EU level Other outcomes- benefits

Partnership Working Whalley Range Forum - Wythenshawe Voices – Old Moat Family Forum - Crime and Community Safety Pool - East Manchester Community Network - Community Pride Initiative - Community Network for Manchester - Women ’ s Electronic Village Hall - Oxfam UK Poverty Programme - LSP Steering Group - Manchester Metropolitan University Community Audit and Evaluation Centre, Manchester University Student ’ s Union, ALAC programme Partners of the Gender and Community Engagement in Manchester -GEM Project- included:

 New research and training  People trained as researchers – MMU community audit module  GAP Unit Other outcomes- benefits