Real women, real lives

The GenderWorks project reached women who were experiencing poverty all over England, Scotland and Wales, as well as in other European countries.

Below is the story of just one of those women, which illustrates how a lack of consideration for the different needs of women and men on the part of policy makers and service providers makes it harder for women living in poverty to overcome the challenges they face.

Margo Kirkwood, from Paisley in Scotland

Bankrupted after the death of her husband, cutting back on food and battling depression, Margo finds the benefits system hugely frustrating but is fighting her way out of poverty by studying for a degree.

The GenderWorks project is supported by the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007-2013). The information contained in it does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission.