GENDER AND DATA

Gender and Data
 
The Empowering Women Panel understands that if women aren’t represented through quantitative data, and if their perspectives are not heard through qualitative research, then things won’t change. Policy will go on being made in a way that disregards gender differences and the many ways women and non-binary people are disadvantaged.
 
Our peer research project represents an excellent way of reaching out and collecting data from women who rarely have any influence on politics. By interviewing friends, family, colleagues, and people in our communities, we were able to connect with women who might not feel comfortable speaking to a professional researcher.
 
We also explored some of the barriers women encounter when trying to access aid - including the multiple hurdles faced by prepayment meter users attempting to employ the government's Energy Bills Support Scheme - therefore restricting relief for those who needed it most. Statistics will tell us a quarter of households did not use the scheme but cannot tell us why.
 
The Scottish Government should respect data that comes from more creative, innovative research methods, especially when they enable a wider range of people to participate.
 
Statistics are important, but they will never tell the whole story. Diverse and varied testimony from those with lived experience is also needed to help policy-makers really connect with and understand the challenges women and non-binary people face.