We are pleased to publish this special edition of the Cordis Pulse, which we have produced to mark Women’s History Month. This annual observation provides the opportunity to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society.

At Cordis Bright we are determined not just to celebrate women’s contributions to society, but to continue to shine a light both on areas where gender inequality remains present and on work aiming to combat this. We have therefore produced this Pulse Special, which provides a digest of key reports, briefings and tools published in 2022 and 2023 across the sectors we work in that focus on areas where gender inequality is still evident.

This Pulse Special shows that significant work is still needed to improve outcomes for women and girls across health, adult social care, children’s services and criminal justice. For example:

• A report funded by the Nuffield Foundation found that women and girls are likely to have their needs overlooked because they are a minority as perpetrators within the justice system.
• A thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found that the custodial estate did not function effectively, resulting in poor outcomes for girls.

That said, across our sectors we have seen positive ambitions to address this aim including the publication of the first Women’s Health Strategy for England, which aims to tackle the gender health gap and presents the changes the government wants for women’s health in the next 10 years. A suite of case studies published by the Local Government Association showcases a breadth of local-level work which responds to the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Research from the House of Commons finds that although male graduate earnings continue to be higher than women’s on average, women are more likely than men to go to university and to gain a first or upper second-class degree. Further information about the Women’s Pulse Special: Women’s History Month Health Strategy can be found in a recent blogpost, which provides an overview of the strategy and its reception.

This is the third in a series of Pulse Specials marking a monthly observance of great significance to us and to the sectors we work in. Look out for the Pulse Special in honour of Pride Month in July 2023.