Equality, diversity and inclusion

It is illegal to discriminate against a person because of their age or sex.

Southwark's statistics

On census day (21 March 2021), the usual resident population of Southwark was 307,600.

• the average age of Southwark residents was 32.4 years, more than 2 years younger than London (34.9) and 7 years younger than England (39.4)
• Southwark’s comparatively young population is mainly due to large numbers of young adults in their 20s and 30s, rather than to children and teenagers, 41% of the population are aged 20 to 39

Census 2021 collected data on Southwark residents’ sex and single year of age

• above the age of 15, females slightly outnumbered males, with 6% (about 9,600) more females than males in the total all-age population and this difference was greatest among:
  • 20 to 25 year-olds, with one fifth (22%, about 5,000) more females than males
  • older people, with progressively more females than males from aged 65 onwards; among people aged over 90 there were 2.5 times more females than males

How we promote equality

To support our residents at different life stages we:

• provide a free, healthy school meal for every primary school child
• fund a number of children’s centres that provide advice and support for parents and carers
• fund services designed to give teenagers activities, training and a place to meet with friends during school holidays
• provide free training and education for 16 to 18-year-olds, including maths, English, computer skills, vocational qualifications and work experience
• provide physical activities for older people to help maintain fitness and independence
• have taken up the challenge to become an age friendly borough