We conduct research with and about the women's voluntary and community sector. For more information about our research contact us on policy@wrc.org.uk or 020 7324 3035.
Current research projects
Measuring the impact of the women's sector
WRC, supported by the City Parochial Foundation and the new economics foundation (nef), is working with five front-line women's organisations in London on measuring their economic, social and environmental impacts. Organisations will learn new and important skills and be able to demonstrate the full value of their work - essential in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
Feminist participatory action research on working locally
We have recently started this research project into women's organisations' experiences
of influencing local priorities. We will be working intensively with Newham Action Against Domestic Violence (NAADV), Rise (formerly the Women’s Refuge Project), Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, and the women’s group at the Joint Forum (a mental health organisation in Liverpool), supporting them to engage with policy and decision-making at a local level. We hope to learn some important lessons about how women's organisations can most effectively get their voices heard and influence local priorities and decision-makers.
Support services for women and girls affected by gang and serious youth violence
We are working with Race on the Agenda (ROTA) as part of their
Female Voice in Violence project, which looks at the impacts of gang and serious youth violence and serious group offending on women and girls. WRC is currently assessing the capacity and needs of the women's sector
in meeting the support needs of gang affected women and girls, and will be working with ROTA to take this work forward.
Past research projects
- Not just bread but roses too: Funding to the women's voluntary and community sector in England 2004-07 Read the report
- The Crisis in Rape Crisis: A survey of Rape Crisis (England & Wales) centres Read the report
- The impact of commissioning on women's organisations Read the report
- Where are the women in LSPs? Read the report
- Why women-only? The values and benefits of 'by women, for women' services Read the report
- Funding to London women's refuges Read the report
- The economic and social impact of the women's voluntary and community sector (pilot) Read the report
- why women? The women's voluntary and community sector Read the report
See more of our research reports
here