Gender-informed planning: from why to how

COMMENT It is not news that the real estate sector has a gender problem. This was recently, and unapologetically, pointed out by EG’s editor, Samantha McClary, in her column highlighting the under-representation of women in the industry. But inequality isn’t just a question of the workforce and who is in the boardroom. It’s embedded across all aspects of planning and development, from policies and practices to the built environment itself, impacting the lives of almost every woman in the country. From access to opportunities to housing affordability and safety, the lived experiences of women and girls are rarely part of the equation. Why is it crucial that we address this? Because our future depends on it. Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls are essential to sustainable development, as underscored by global leaders at the recent World Urban Forum, where session after session was dedicated to discussing this critical issue. Think bigger So the real estate industry needs to think bigger. Gender issues should be central in every single decision that is made as part of planning policy and practice, from project briefs to detailed design and long-term management. This approach is interchangeably called gender mainstreaming or gender-informed planning, but the results are the same. We create better, more equitable and more sustainable places.  Change is already starting to happen. In recent years, the UK’s built environment sector has shown increasing interest in exploring the link between gender equality and development. Initially championed by a passionate few, the industry is now beginning to embrace the idea. This discussion reached its peak in 2024, with a number of research studies, policy documents, events, design guidelines, books and handbooks. These have reinforced how learning from the experiences of women and girls can help us build inclusive, healthy, child-friendly, climate-resilient places that are socially and economically prosperous.   And there are more developments on the horizon. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has committed to embedding gender-informed planning in the next revision of the London Plan, and already requires it for Greater London Authority-led projects. Newham and Tower Hamlets councils have embedded gender-informed policies, while Glasgow has declared itself the first feminist city in the UK and has adopted gender-mainstreaming as a policy. A growing interest among real estate developers is also evident. Many are seeking guidance on how to integrate a gender lens into their design codes, engagement strategies and design solutions. Motivations for this range from recognising the broader benefits to demonstrating tangible delivery of social value, community buy-in, ESG strategies and planning benefits. What is stopping us? While progress is being made, we still have a long way to go. Two key barriers persist: a perceived cost and an often unspoken discomfort with the topic. The truth is, however, that adopting gender-informed practices is not an added cost; it’s a value generator. It drives more footfall, increases community buy-in and social cohesion, reduces retrofit costs and delivers better returns. The evidence required costs no more than other planning data, and it enables targeted interventions that lead to long-term saving. There are broader benefits too, as gender-informed planning creates more resilient communities and has the potential to improve health and economic growth in an area.  We all need to be part of the conversation. The goal is to shift the power dynamic and lead discussions based on an understanding of intersectional experiences, using a participatory approach and data-driven insights that challenge biases and overcome personal blind spots. This is not an embarrassing “women’s issue”. The reality is, when we build more inclusive environments, they benefit not only women and girls but all of us. Driving innovation The topic is here to stay. In the UK, the government has set out its expectations for the industry to deliver more than 1m new homes and support economic growth while ensuring that places are left better than they were found. Under traditional development practices, these objectives can be seen as conflicting. Gender-informed planning presents an exciting opportunity for the sector to rethink outdated approaches and drive innovation. But we also have to put in the work. We must not shy away from the topic, and need to share and adopt good practices and advocate for change, as well as keep learning. We need more experts dedicated to gender-informed planning, in every aspect of development from policy to lighting. But overall, I am positive. We know how to create places that work for women and girls and drive gender equity. The evidence and knowledge are now too compelling to ignore. Now we just need to get on and do it. Marina Milosev is a gender-informed planning and policy specialist Photo © London Legacy Development Corporation