What role is there for women in New Localism?

Participants will ask whether decentralisation of power will bring significant changes to communities, and, in turn, to women’s positions and roles within those communities. Will New Localism work for women? What sort of opportunities and challenges does it bring and how can women get involved in shaping decision-making?

Professor Alison Blunt, from the School of Geography at Queen Mary, says: “While many have debated the merits and disadvantages of transferring greater decision making powers to a local level, less attention has been paid to the ways in which women and localism affect each other." Professor Blunt is also a member of the London Women and Planning Forum’s Steering Group.

The Coalition Government has introduced the Localism Act (2011) and the N ational Planning Policy Framework, resulting in important changes to planning and environmental policy. This ‘New Localism’ – the shift of power away from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils – is the focus of significant debate.

‘New Localism: What’s the role for women?’ is a joint seminar organized by the London Women and Planning Forum (LWPF) and the Centre for Sustainable Communities at the University of Hertfordshire.

Speakers at the seminar will include:

·        Dr Alina Congreve – University of Hertfordshire

·        Sophie Christopher-Bowes – Director of Eco-Architecture & Permacultural Planning

·        Natalie Ntim – Women’s Resource Centre

·        Georgia Wrighton – Green Party councillor, Brighton and Hove City Council

Speeches will be followed by an open discussion and drinks reception.

For further information and to book a place please contact Jayani Bonnerjee at j.bonnerjee@qmul.ac.uk or call 020 7882 2777

 

Event: ‘New Localism: What’s the role for women?’

Date: Wednesday 2 May

Time: 4-6pm

Location: Room 214, School of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS