Leading the conversation on gender equality and opportunity in the planning profession
Last month, as UKREiiF was in full swing, Avison Young hosted a vital discussion on the advancement of women in the planning profession during our event, She Leads: Celebrating Women in Leadership, delivered in partnership with Women in Planning.
Chaired by Rose Sanger, a planner in our Birmingham office, and Rosie Bircumshaw, an assistant planner in our Leeds office, the session centred around the challenges and obstacles that women face in their careers, led by empowering discussion from an esteemed panel of prominent female leaders.
Beginning with a fireside chat with Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the session then moved into a wider discussion with Jo Davis, principal and UK executive chair of Avison Young; Natalie Webster, associate planning and development director at Wain Estates; Louise Sloan, assistant director of planning at Newcastle City Council; and Jayshree Patel, planning manager at the Homes & Communities Agency.
The morning offered a motivating and open conversation on how we can collectively overcome some of the most significant challenges faced by women in the planning profession, and the importance of network and community in doing so.
Understanding and overcoming barriers
The panel delved deep into workplace dynamics that often favour male colleagues over equally, or even more qualified, female professionals – with frank discussions taking place on how working environments and practices can limit women’s opportunities to advance in their careers.
Reports cited during the event highlighted that over half of female planners surveyed felt that their gender had impeded their professional growth, with the panel sharing their own experiences of sexism and limiting beliefs from their colleagues during the course of their own career journeys.
The discussion also turned to the issue of discrimination during key career milestones, including applying for promotions and returning from maternity leave, bringing to light the pressing need for more inclusive workplace policies to offer support during periods of transition and to enable women to progress in their careers.
The panel also recognised that sexism and discrimination vary significantly across the public, private, and education sectors, with each carrying unique cultural attitudes towards gender equality.
Change is on the horizon
The outlook for women in planning is, slowly but surely, showing signs of improvement, driven by proactive measures aimed at enhancing and enabling female participation and recognition. Although historically underrepresented, the presence of women in the profession is gradually increasing, supported by dedicated initiatives, such as Women in Planning, which is undertaking vital and impactful work to challenge and change industry practices and norms.
The RTPI has reported a significant increase in qualified female professionals entering the built and natural environment workforce over the last three decades – with women accounting for 5% of the workforce in 1990 and 18% today. Victoria Hills was keen to reiterate the huge strides of progress she has witnessed over a number of years in the industry, noting that the planning landscape is now one brimming with opportunities for women, which is certainly both encouraging and empowering.
Moving forwards with purpose
Delivered in partnership with Women in Planning, She Leads: Celebrating Women in Leadership not only highlighted the challenges faced by many women in the profession but put a spotlight on the growing resolve of female leaders to advocate for change – something that Avison Young is dedicated to.
Through continuing to have these tough conversations, introducing mentoring schemes, putting adequate support in place, and calling for meaningful workplace policies that reflect the needs of women, there is a hopeful path emerging towards equity and inclusion within the planning sector – led by inspiring and talented female voices, both new and established.
Initiatives like Women in Planning provide an invaluable platform to shout louder about the need for equality of opportunity within the planning profession, enabling us all to work towards creating environments in which all professionals feel valued, respected and nurtured.
For further insights, and to access research and reports on the gender disparity in the planning profession, visit Women in Planning. The platform provides a wealth of resources, community engagement opportunities and inspiration for women already forging careers in planning, as well as those embarking on their professional journeys.
