The Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement in support of Numeracy for Gender Equality
"I am delighted to support the launch of Numeracy for Gender Equality, an inspiring initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in number confidence, spearheaded by the Gender Taskforce at National Numeracy.
We all use numbers every day. Whether it’s checking the time, reading a bus timetable, weighing ingredients or in the local supermarket, we rely on numbers to keep us on track. These skills form the foundations that enable us to manage money effectively. In today’s complex financial landscape, we are frequently asked to interpret numerical information, from understanding a payslip and comparing interest rates, to managing investments and planning for retirement.
But numeracy is more than just a skill or even a maths qualification, it involves having the confidence to use numbers in everyday life to make good decisions, including financial ones. It is concerning to read that women in the UK are twice as anxious as men about using maths, even when they have a high skill level. Low number confidence can make budgeting, saving, and managing debt challenging, and limit opportunities for economic growth and independence, particularly for women.
National Numeracy has identified the single most significant factor in improving numeracy is having the belief you can - having a ‘growth mindset’. By fostering an environment that nurtures number confidence and skills, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to develop strong numeracy skills and the confidence to use them.
I’d like to express my sincere thanks to National Numeracy and its partner organisations for their work and dedication in closing this confidence gap. Through working together to improve numeracy across the UK, we have a real opportunity to address an issue that is holding too many people back, and create a brighter future for women and girls. "
The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer
12 March 2025
