RTPI President Dr Wei Yang FRTPI said there is huge potential to integrate a gender dimension into the place-based initiatives – iStock
Gender should be considered at every stage of the urban planning process so that finished buildings and built environment solutions have “equal regard to the experiences of all people irrespective of gender” especially after the pandemic, according to a report.
'Women and Planning: Creating Gender-sensitive Urban Environments Post-Covid-19' published by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), calls for the implementation of urban planning policies sensitive to gender-specific needs – known as ‘gender mainstreaming’ – into all policy, legislative and decision-making practices.
Jenny Divine, co-author of the report and RTPI policy and networks adviser, said: “The implementation of gender mainstreaming into every stage of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of urban planning policies, programmes, and projects will ensure that gender equality is enhanced and that all people benefit equally.
“There is much work still to be done. Systemic inadequacies in the planning and education systems which were uncovered by our research continue to hinder women’s ability to shape policies and progress decisions that have positive implications for gender equality attainment."
RTPI president Dr Wei Yang FRTPI said: “As we begin the recovery from the pandemic, there is huge potential to integrate a gender dimension into the place-based initiatives that UK governments are increasingly exploring to facilitate a joined-up and collaborative approach to planning. Incorporating a gender dimension will create opportunities to expose hidden inequalities, break down the gender biases that have been present for too long in the built environment, and create solutions that have regard to the experiences of all people.”
Qualitative data was collected for the research through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 50 female and two male planners. Most of the respondents were based in the UK, but the study also includes the views of respondents based in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US.
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