Gender equality
We are tackling the enduring presence of gender inequalities across all areas of society. Our Institute for Global Innovation is working to confront gender inequality, examining issues from violence against women, children and other vulnerable people in sub-Saharan Africa, through to safe access to maternal health, and tackling political rights and barriers to participation.
In 2020, over 82 million people were forcibly displaced. Just under half were female. Of these, as many as 50% have experienced SGBV. Many victims who are seeking asylum are trapped within the UK’s system for years after arriving in country, struggling with personal finance, work, and healthcare due to their status. The SEREDA Project offers policy recommendations on how systems could be improved to protect, rather than harm, vulnerable victims.
The Birmingham Business School is also committed to reducing inequality in the workplace, exploring ways in which organisations can better support those who are or have experienced the menopause. Through research and through participation in the menopause pledge, the School is focused on making workplaces more equal through policy change.
Inclusive education
The Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) is challenging the prevalent misconceptions around autistic children and young people. ACER is offering knowledge of autism to staff in education settings, supporting them to steer away from generalist understandings of what makes for ‘good’ education of autistic students.
The Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research focuses on the social and educational inclusion of people with vision impairment. It has conducted studies in developing countries aimed at increasing access, promoting inclusion, and improving the curriculum and teaching methods. This work is taking place alongside research in the UK, which is empowering young people with greater educational and social inclusion as they transition through to adulthood.
Working to close gaps in educational achievement and improve the educational experiences and career outcomes of Black and minority ethnic people at all ages, The Centre for Research in Race and Education leads on pursuing race equality and social justice.
Global migration
Children Born of War is a network aimed at enhancing our understanding of the challenges experienced by children born of war in volatile societies. The network informs the debate and policies on the reintegration of children born of war into post-conflict societies.
Our Institute for Research into Superdiversity is challenging policy and rhetoric on migration, helping to understand how to support migrants and the communities that they settle into to integrate effectively. By working with governments, charities and NGOs, the Institute is working to protect the most vulnerable groups of society including refugees, and is improving the understanding of historical conflict and how humanitarian aid is delivered.
Regional development
City-REDI brings together partners across the Midlands to shape policy, advancing economic and social development of cities and regions and creating a fairer world that equips regions equitably to grow and be secure. Through place-based research, City-REDI is leading on the Local Policy Innovation Partnership, a research hub exploring how local places can be empowered to meet the needs of their communities.
Supporting inclusive economic growth in the West Midlands and across the UK, WMREDI is addressing the skill gaps that exist within society today that are preventing people from seeking and having access to opportunity as well as finding meaningful work.