Framework for Inclusion of Gender Amenities in Development Plan

Urban planning must be inclusive of all groups. The Mumbai Development Plan 2034 sets a remarkable precedent with its gender-sensitive approach, recognising the unique challenges women face in urban spaces. It includes dedicated provisions for housing, skill centres, care facilities, and public conveniences, aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and workforce participation for women.

The plan’s success owes much to the formation of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Advisory Committee on Gender. This committee, established under the Assistant Planning Department during the Development Plan’s preparation, brought together experts from diverse fields such as urban planning, gender studies, law, and communication. Its mandate was to ensure that gender-related reservations were implemented effectively and innovatively, shaping the city’s planning process into a model for inclusivity.

On International Women’s Day 2024, BMC inaugurated Mumbai’s first Multipurpose Housing for Working Women in Goregaon West. This 16-storey facility accommodates 180 women and includes temporary shelter for women in distress, exemplifying the city’s commitment to fostering women’s economic independence and safety. Such initiatives highlight years of advocacy and collaboration towards inclusive urban development.

In collaboration with BMC and TISS, we have contributed to the ‘Framework for Inclusion of Gender Amenities in Development Plans,’ available in English and Marathi, and a report on Mahila Udhyam Kendra (Livelihood Centres for Women), providing actionable insights for gender-sensitive urban planning. These resources are shaping policies across the state and inspiring cities nationwide to adopt similar strategies.

The Goregaon facility is just the beginning – a tangible step towards building safer, fairer, and more inclusive cities for all.