Panel 1 — Gendered Urbanism

Rethinking City Spaces through Gender Perspectives in Urban Design

At FABER Forum 2025, the opening panel addressed one of the most urgent questions in urban development today: who are our cities really designed for?

Moderated by Dr. Dorina Pojani (Associate Professor, University of Queensland), the session brought together leading voices from architecture, design, and urban research:

The panel explored how gender shapes everyday experiences of the city, from commuting and safety to access to public services and the right to occupy public space. Through powerful case studies and international perspectives, the speakers examined how urban design can either reproduce inequalities or actively dismantle them.

Key topics included mobility, lighting, transport access, childcare infrastructure, visibility, and emotional safety in public space. The discussion moved beyond theory, calling for practical tools and policy shifts that embed gender-sensitive thinking into planning processes.

The session highlighted the transformative potential of gender-inclusive urbanism, not as a niche concept, but as a foundation for more just, vibrant, and human-centred cities.