The Most Empowering Cities for Women in the UK

Female empowerment is an ever-growing topic, with gender equality, equal pay and education for women being just some of the powerful movement’s women are championing across the UK and world. Here at The Body Shop, we believe that both self-love and female empowerment are incredibly important, and are proud to be a feminist brand where fighting for equality is within our DNA.

Which cities are the most empowering to women in the UK? Looking at 40 cities in the UK against a series of metrics, including the female population, the number of women in higher education, the number of universities with women enrolled, the average salary for women, as well as the number of women’s social groups, you can find out below which cities come top.

The UK’s Empowering Cities Index

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Empowering Cities Index

We’ve analysed 40 cities in the UK against a series of metrics, including the female population, the number of women in higher education, the number of universities with women enrolled, the average salary for women, the number of women in full-time employment as well as the number of women’s social groups.

1. Cambridge

Taking the top spot as the best city for empowering women across the UK is Cambridge. With a female population of 59,742, of which 27,100 women are in higher education, so Cambridge really sets the bar high in terms of education-- with the notorious University of Cambridge, one of the most prestigious in the whole of the UK, right at the centre of the city. There are a further eight universities across the city that have female students enrolled in. The average salary for women is currently £34,500 - the eighth highest out of all 40 cites analysed. What’s more, Cambridge is also home to the most women’s social groups of all cities analysed in total, which is equivalent to 10 groups per 10,000 women, including wellness and support groups as well as sport and adventure groups.

2. London

The UK’s capital comes in second place, with a female population of 4,120,370! The number of women in higher education in London currently sits at 311,660, and there are 179 universities in the city with female students enrolled. It is no surprise that London offers the highest average salary for women in the UK of £45,500 per year. The social side is also a real positive in London, with a total of 500 women’s social groups, equivalent of one group per 10,000 women.

3. Oxford

Coming in third place is Oxford, another well renowned city for education, home to the Russell Group University of Oxford. There are 22,915 women in higher education, out of the 73,596 total female population in the city and a further five universities with female occupancy. Oxford has a total of 45 women’s social groups, equating to six per 10,000 women. This city is also setting a high standard when it comes to salary in Oxford, which for women is currently sitting at £35,300.

4. Brighton

Brighton is the fourth best city for empowering women with a female population of 144,592. The seaside city has four universities with female occupancy, and 22,305 women in higher education. There are 95 social groups in total across the city, equal to seven per 10,000 women. On the salary front the average salary for women is £31,900.

5. Bristol

Coming in fifth place is Bristol, where the female population is 269,939. Bristol has the second highest number of women’s social groups - 123 in total, equivalent to five per 10,000 women. 32,030 women in higher education across the eight universities with female occupancy. The average annual salary for women is currently £35,500.

The Best UK Cities for Women’s Salaries and Education

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London is the UK city with the highest average salary for women, at £45,500

London is the UK city with the highest average salary for women, currently sitting at £45,500, however the standard cost of living in London is up to 58% more expensive than other urban areas of the UK. Following behind London is Derby with an average salary of £37,800, and Newcastle with an average salary of £35,900.

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Leeds: Has 93,000 women in full-time employment, the second highest city behind London.

Leeds and Birmingham are the top two cities for female occupancy at universities outside of London. Both Leeds and Birmingham have 12 universities with female occupancy spread across their cities, giving women a huge number of choice when it comes to furthering their education.

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Birmingham : has 50,550 women in higher education, the second highest city behind London.

Outside of London, Birmingham is the education capital of the UK for women, with 50,550 women in higher education. Manchester comes after with 42,395 women in higher education, and Leeds follows with 40,800.

The Most Sociable Cities for Women Across the UK

So which UK cities are the most sociable for women? We’ve looked at the total number of women’s social groups as well as how this compares to the female population, in order to work out the number of social groups per 10,000 women. Find out which cities come top in the map below.

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Map of the UK with empowering cities for women

London has the most women’s social groups in total with 500, but when compared to the female population, there is only one for every 10,000 women. Bristol has 123 women’s social groups in total, equivalent to five for every 10,000 women, and Birmingham has the third highest total number of women’s social groups with 98, or two for every 10,000 women.

Cambridge is the best city compared to the wider female population, with 10 women’s social clubs per 10,000 women, followed by Brighton with seven per 10,000 women and Oxford with six per 10,000 women.

Social groups are a great way for women to set up a community and support each other. Whether it’s a business focused social group where women can network and promote female owned businesses, or a sports-based group where women can make friends and stay fit at the same time.

Leading a busy life as a successful woman whilst looking and feeling great at the same time can be a juggling act, so be sure to treat yourself to some self-care every now and then. Our range of irresistible body butters are the perfect addition to your next pamper session.

Methodology and sources

This analysis consisted of researching a series of metrics in order to find the best UK cities for empowering women. A list of the top 40 cities with the highest female population was collected. Population figures were for all women aged between 0-90+ years old. Metrics included number of women in higher education at both undergrad and postgrad levels, number of universities with female occupancy per 50,000 women, average women's yearly salary and the number of women's social groups. Data collected and analysed between November 2021 – February 2022.

https://www.aznations.com/population/gb/cities/

https://plumplot.co.uk/salary-and-unemployment

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/placeofresidencebylocalauthorityashetable8

https://www.meetup.com/topics/women/