Gender Equity Planning

Gender equity planning highlights the effects of planning on males and females, as well as the impacts of men and women on planning itself. Gender refers to the subjective, dichotomous characterization of individuals as being male/masculine or female/feminine whereas sex refers to the categorization as males and females based purely on biological characteristics (chromosomes, geni-talia, etc.). The two terms, gender and sex, are often confused in discussions of gender equity planning, and the idea that the latter is about more than biology is important to remember.

Masculine and feminine characteristics are often thought to be socially constructed; what counts as meaningful gendered traits changes with the times. Jobs that were once seen as appropriate only for men, such as planning, are now available as acceptable choices for women. Physical traits, such as hair length and musculature, vary, too, according to their perceived relevance in classifying an individual as being feminine or masculine. In this way, practices such as gender equity planning become increasingly complex the more carefully one explores the concept and the more finely key distinctions are made.

If gender pertains to societal notions of what it means to be female or male, equity is concerned with fairness in terms of how those who are labeled as male or female are treated. Fairness may mean being treated equally, or it may mean that unequal practices are called for to create a more equitable situation. An interest in equity also implies an interest in, and commitment to, correcting injustices. Thus, gender equity planning is about preventing or remedying existing or potential injustices in cities and regions. Like gender categories, ideas about what counts as an injustice are not static, and so whether something (e.g., females not being able to own property or sign a contract) is an [Page 303]injustice varies across time and cultures. Even if an injustice seems relatively unequivocal, its perceived severity or intensity may change, thus affecting the priority it receives by planners and policymakers.

Gender equity planning has arisen because of a perceived bias on the part of planning and planners to adhere to a gender-neutral approach. This bias is a consequence of a society in which males have the most power and public presence as well as, more specifically, dominating the planning profession in both numbers and prestige. Developed as a response to this bias, gender equity planning turns the attention of planners and publics to issues such as personal safety, child care, diverse and affordable housing, transportation, and public space to address many of the issues that women and girls, especially, face in their environments. In developing countries, gender equity planning is often particularly concerned with economic development and the provision of services that make life easier and more equitable for women.

For example, a gender equity approach to planning in a developing country might highlight the provision of small loans to women to support their business endeavors. Such loans might traditionally be given to men; these sorts of programs capitalize on the fact that women have been found to have a relatively high rate of loan repayment and accompanying economic success. Moreover, this success can also permeate an entire family or household, thus multiplying the benefits potentially derived from the program.

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