What disproportionate challenges do women face when it comes to housing? There are also specific groups of women at a disadvantage according to figures, like single mothers, those from a black and minority ethnic background, women with disabilities, older women, victims of domestic abuse, migrant women and those identifying as LGBT+.2
- The ‘gender housing gap’ refers to the situation in which housing may be less affordable for women due to the disparities in earnings between men and women. In 2021, the median gender pay gap in London was 16.19 per cent, compared to 15.39 per cent for the UK.3
- Gender pay gaps and rates of poverty experienced by some black and minority ethnic households can exacerbate housing unaffordability.
- 65 per cent of adult occupants in temporary accommodation in London are women and 39 per cent of homeless households in temporary accommodation are headed by single mothers.4
The London Assembly Housing Committee will tomorrow discuss the challenges that women face in accessing safe and affordable housing in London.
The guests are:
- Natalie Daniels, Assistant Director, Housing, GLA
- Sara Reis, Deputy Director and Head of Research and Policy, Women’s Budget Group
- Zaiba Qureshi, Chief Executive, Housing for Women
- Kossar Butt, Head of Accommodation Services, Solace Women’s Aid
- Hannana Siddiqui, Head of Policy, Research and Fund-raising, Southall Black Sisters
The meeting will take place on Thursday 14 July 2022 from 2.00pm at The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
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Notes to editors
- Read agenda papers.
- These groups are not exclusive, as they can intersect, which may further compound issues.
- Gender Pay Gap, GLA
- London Councils press release, March 2022
- Watch a video from the Housing Committee site visit to Ekaya housing association, which forms part of this investigation into women and housing.
- Sem Moema AM, Chair of the Housing Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the Housing Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.