Addressing women's economic disadvantage in local economies: the limitations and benefits of partnerships

This article considers whether partnerships of key actors are useful vehicles for addressing women's economic disadvantage at the level of the local economy. It underlines the importance of women's prosperity within the economic regeneration agenda. First, and by using a case study example, the article outlines examples of practical projects that can be developed at a local level. Second, it argues for better data and an improved understanding of the locality as a site in which economic inequalities between men and women are sustained. Third, it explores the limitations of partnership working focused on women's issues and the precarious nature of the political commitment to women's interest in depressed economies. Finally, the benefits of partnership working are reconsidered, while highlighting the importance of the active engagement of the public and private sectors as employers, not simply as actors with a broad interest in the local economy.