Research from around the world has proven that cities are not equitable. The gender-neutral one-size fits all approach to city-making often provides worse urban design experiences for women, girls, gender diverse individuals, and other vulnerable people.

The ACT Gender Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines, which consist of a Framework and Toolkit, are a significant step forward. They aim to set the highest benchmark for public spaces that are equitable, inclusive, accessible, and safe for everyone – in particular, women, girls, gender diverse and other vulnerable people.

The project synthesises research and insights gathered through extensive literature review, consultation, and place audits, into recommendations for progressive and effective strategies tailored to the ACT context.

The Gender Sensitive Urban Design Framework is a strategic document that sets out principles for gender sensitive urban places. It describes key ideas generated from consultation, research, and analysis.

The Gender Sensitive Urban Design Implementation Toolkit is a practical guide that examines common gender-related public realm inequalities and challenges, offering recommendations to remedy and resolve them. The Toolkit is for use by practitioners and the community alike who are interested in the places in which they live.

Together they guide the delivery of best-practice urban design outcomes for the public realm through a gender lens. A gender-sensitive approach will assist not only urban design professionals; but also the ACT Government. It fosters an understanding of how different groups experience the public realm and how addressing inequalities in the urban environment creates a better place for all.