WRDA calls for inclusive and gender‑responsive data in response to Census User Needs consultation
09 February 2026 - The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) has submitted its response to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) consultation on Census User Needs, urging the continued and expanded collection of equality‑relevant data to support effective policymaking and fair resource allocation.
Census data is a critical foundation for evidence‑based decision‑making, equality impact assessments (EQIAs), and advocacy on behalf of marginalised and under‑resourced communities. We caution that decisions not to collect certain data risk further entrenching inequality. While we understand the desire not to overburden the public with additional census questions, census data is absolutely pivotal to how decisions are made. Failing to collect some data can create real barriers for marginalised groups and risks rendering their needs invisible.
In our submission, WRDA highlights several priority areas:
Gender identity: WRDA strongly supports the collection of data on gender identity, noting that accurate data is essential for LGBTQ+ organisations to assess equality impacts, advocate for resources, and meet the needs of gender‑diverse people. We argue that concerns about misunderstanding questions should be addressed through careful wording and engagement with relevant communities.
Sexual orientation: WRDA calls for the continued collection of sexual orientation data, emphasising its importance for Section 75 equality monitoring, resource allocation, and policy assessment.
Unpaid care: WRDA supports the ongoing collection of data on unpaid care, describing it as vital to understanding the scale of often invisible caring work. We also back calls from the sector for additional questions to capture the number of people cared for and whether care is provided within or outside the household, particularly to reflect the experiences of the “sandwich generation”.
Migration: Acknowledging that some migrants may face barriers to completing the census, WRDA encourages NISRA to work closely with organisations supporting affected communities to ensure data collection methods are inclusive and accurate.
Income and socio‑economic status: While recognising that NISRA often derives income data from administrative sources, WRDA highlights ongoing difficulties accessing up‑to‑date and disaggregated data, particularly in relation to social security benefits and childcare and early years supports. The organisation calls for closer cross‑departmental working to improve accessibility and transparency.
Robust, inclusive census data is essential to advancing equality and ensuring public policy responds to lived realities across Northern Ireland.
For further information, please contact:
Elaine Crory, Women’s Sector Lobbyist – elaine.crory@wrda.net
Meghan Hoyt, Policy Assistant – meghan.hoyt@wrda.net
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