The SEED Project: research and policy

What drives economic insecurity among women and what changes to policies and systems would make a difference to their futures?

Research conducted as part of The SEED Project brings together qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand the issues facing women and what to do about those issues, initially using Seymour in Victoria as a case study of a regional location. The work has expanded to embrace women's economic security generally.

Building on BSL’s extensive research on financial wellbeing and economic inclusion, we adopt a critical social policy perspective to challenge deficit narratives, reframe issues and imagine solutions. Our approach is informed directly by the people experiencing disadvantage and also draws insights from our programs and services offered through The SEED Project.

Our current research includes:

• the Flip It! project, which examines how differing perceptions of Seymour interact with women's experience of economic security
• a study of Family assistance payments in Australia
• Understanding financial stress  and dimensions of economic insecurity for women
• a study of how lower income households in regional, peri-urban and urban locations are Making ends meet in tough times
• exploring access to home and contents insurance .

Insights will inform a policy agenda that aims to make a tangible difference to the opportunities, work prospects and long-term financial wellbeing of women in regional areas. By amplifying the voices of women such as those in Seymour, understanding the drivers of economic insecurity and collaborating with others, we can contribute to policy change from the local to the national level.

A generous donation has enabled The SEED Project.

Contact Dina Bowman