As planners begin upon their chosen career, no matter where that path takes them, their goal is often to provide communities with strategic recommendations and policies that improve the lives of all residents, organizations and businesses. The “improving” of those lives is seen and felt via efficiencies, conveniences, and other tangible benefits that can be readily monitored and reported on. But what about making improvements surrounding human equality?

CWA is proud to have championed age equality efforts in the past (here, here, and here). Of course, discrimination can come in many forms. For example, gender equality has been at the center of several urban planning efforts. Some of these initiatives, and the topic of gender equality are eloquently discussed in this 2019 article by urban planner Jennifer Gardner and design researcher Larissa Begault.

They discuss how planning to prevent gender inequality cannot succeed with individual strategies or new theories. They also show how improving the existing use of spaces can unintentionally exacerbate the problem. They provide 3 ways in which planners can dissect the “root causes” for some of these unintended outcomes and “directly challenge” these dynamics in the future:

Occupying space. While more successful when “generated from within the community,” this solution surrounds purposefully improving upon gender stereotypes within public spaces by putting women in the public space first, through block parties, markets and other activities.
Enabling authentic representation. Allowing for all people to be seen and heard can directly impact the way others view the spaces within which they’re occupying. Public art, research and activities where women can share how a space affects them or can been seen first in that space have been used in communities to raise awareness and authentic representation.
Reducing perceived fear. Historically planners have been driven to design spaces that feel “safe” while inadvertently adding to the anxiety of these spaces for women. Ms. Gardner and Ms. Begault suggest that “we have to ask whether our existing design vocabulary can speak to the real and perceived systemic and experienced safety concerns of women in the public realm.”

As we continue to adapt and work to improve the lives of the people of all genders in the communities within which we live and serve, CWA remains committed to their equity. We appreciate all those who help us along the way and look forward to being a part of their future endeavors.

How Better Urban Planning Can Improve Gender Equality