U.K. Planners Failing to Account for Women

A new study shows that city planners aren't following the guidelines established in last year's Gender Equality Duty, which requires planners to consider the different ways that women use public space.

1 minute read

September 2, 2008, 10:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


"Planning projects and urban regeneration schemes have traditionally catered to men far more effectively than they have to women. For example, women often have to travel from home to drop the children off at school, then go to work, then do the shopping before returning. Men, by contrast, tend to travel from home to work and back. If schools and shopping outlets are located far away from most people's places of work, therefore, women's working opportunities become much more restricted.

Similarly, women tend to be far more reliant on public transport. Previous studies have shown that 75% of bus journeys are undertaken by women and only 30% of women have access to a car during the day. Without good public transport connections, women's working and living opportunities are likewise limited."

Friday, August 29, 2008 in University of Cambridge

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

November 13 - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

November 13 - Chicago Sun Times

People watch as carbon dioxide is vented during a safety demonstration outside Nome City Hall in Jefferson Co.

As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks

Texas now issues permits for companies to store carbon dioxide underground. East Texas residents fear safety risks, and skeptics doubt the climate benefits.

November 13 - Texas Tribune

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.