Women’s sector warns Local Growth Fund risks missing those most in need
26 June 2026 - A coalition of leading women’s organisations and community-based women’s centres has raised serious concerns that the proposed Local Growth Fund (LGF) for Northern Ireland risks failing those most excluded from the labour market—particularly women, rural communities, and those facing socio-economic disadvantage.
The joint response, coordinated through the Women Breaking Barriers partnership and led by the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), brings together the expertise of regional organisations and six long-established women’s centres working directly with disadvantaged communities.
While the coalition supports the overall aim of boosting economic participation, they warn that the current proposals lack clarity and risk directing investment away from the structural barriers that prevent many women from accessing employment.
Key concerns
The women’s sector highlights that the LGF priorities—focused on enhancing productivity and workforce participation—are not sufficiently targeted at areas of greatest need.
Among their concerns:
Public funds subsidising private business: The response cautions against using public money for private sector growth, arguing that funding should prioritise community need and public good.
Lack of detail on delivery: The consultation does not clearly specify how investment will reach community-based education providers or those furthest from the labour market.
Overemphasis on capital investment: A proposed 50:50 funding split could reduce much-needed resources for employability and community programmes.
Gender inequality risks: The framework appears skewed toward sectors that are less accessible to women, while ignoring barriers such as childcare and transport.
Structural barriers must be addressed
The coalition stresses that without addressing fundamental barriers, the LGF will not deliver meaningful or inclusive economic growth.
Key priorities identified include:
Affordable and accessible childcare, described as a critical enabler of women’s participation in work and training
Reliable and connected public transport, particularly for rural communities
Investment in community-based education and support, which has a proven track record of engaging those furthest from the labour market
Drawing on decades of experience delivering grassroots programmes, the organisations emphasise that successful employability initiatives must include wraparound support such as childcare provision, mentoring, transport assistance, and tailored training.
Call for investment in community infrastructure
The response also highlights the urgent need for capital investment in women’s centres and community facilities, many of which have experienced long-term underinvestment despite being trusted and accessible hubs.
Strengthening these centres would:
Improve access to training and employment pathways
Support rural and underserved communities
Provide inclusive, localised services that are responsive to real needs
Rural communities at risk of being left behind
The coalition warns that the LGF does not adequately account for rural realities, where limited transport and service access significantly restrict participation in education and employment.
They argue for a place-based approach that reflects the realities of rural life and ensures investment is accessible, coordinated, and sustainable.
A call for gender-responsive and inclusive growth
The organisations urge policymakers to rethink the design of the Local Growth Fund to ensure it meets its stated aim of regional balance and inclusive economic growth.
They call for:
Clearer detail on funding allocation and delivery
Targeted investment in care infrastructure and community services
Stronger alignment with equality duties under Section 75
Long-term, ring-fenced funding for rural and community-based initiatives
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