In 2008 GAP Unit conducted a focus group and telephone interviews
with female councillors from local authorities in NW England. The report,
published in October 2009, presents their views on the barriers,
motivations and support structures which exist for women as they
become active in public life. It also looks at the factors they feel
detract from their ability to work effectively as local councillors, and
the things that support and sustain them on a personal and practical
level.
 

The report was funded by the North West Together We Can (NWTWC)
network and is intended to raise awareness of gender inequalities and
discrimination in local government, while being a tool for changing
practice and promoting equal participation in governance.
We plan to use it as an advocacy tool in meetings with local
councils, hopefully gaining commitment to act on some of the
suggestions in the report.