Gender mainstreaming within local planning authorities

Abstract

This paper discusses the extent to which EU-derived gender mainstreaming (GM) requirements are being adopted with reference to Royal Town Planning Institute research on the situation in UK local planning authorities (LPAs). Firstly, the problem of a lack of gender perspective on planning policy is summarised. Barriers to progress are explained and the role of enablers is identified. International and European factors that resulted in GM becoming an integral component of the UK planning system are explained. The second part of the paper outlines the current extent of GM in LPAs. Although generic equalities policy is widespread, it is primarily concerned with personnel matters and there is little understanding of the impact of gender considerations on planning policy. At best there is an assumption that only policies related to women's traditional roles are affected. At worst some LPAs do not consider gender to be of any relevance to the planning process, particularly in departments where there is little social awareness and a technical and quantitative approach predominates. The methodological steps required to achieve GM that need to be applied to the planning process are summarised. Little will change unless central government gives high-level guidance on mainstreaming, and resource allocation and awareness training is increased. Cultural change is needed within the profession to enable planners to take gender seriously.