Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Gender Equity Action Plan

Release of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Gender Equity Action Plan

Â鶹ÊÓƵ recognises that a gender-inclusive and equitable approach to planning is essential to addressing some of the current challenges being experienced in Australia.

The impacts go beyond our profession, as the historical lack of women planners is reflected in our cities and regions. From transport, housing and public safety to childcare, workforce and civic participation, the built environment can be experienced very differently depending on gender, particularly in combination with factors such as age, disability, income, education, and cultural background.

If we plan communities responsive to the needs of women, our cities will become safer, healthier, and fairer for all.

In 2021, Â鶹ÊÓƵ released the Gender Equity Policy with the following 4 goals:

1. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will ensure gender equitable outcomes in all Â鶹ÊÓƵ policy, initiatives, and activities.

2. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will support gender equity within the planning profession.

3. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will promote diverse career paths, leadership, and business ownership.

4. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will advocate to government, business, and the community to achieve gender equitable outcomes within the places and communities for which we plan.

Following the policy's adoption in November 2021, a working group comprised of members of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Women in Planning networks around the country has developed an action plan to deliver on the four policy principles designed to show leadership and equity within the profession.

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Gender Equity Action Plan plays an important role in transforming the Gender Equity Policy into ongoing practical and achieveable steps.

The plan will guide Â鶹ÊÓƵ in the coming years as we continue our concerted effort in ensuring the planning profession reflects the diversity of the communities that we serve.

Read the Action Plan

Thank You

Â鶹ÊÓƵ would like to thank the following members for their continued hard work and input into the delivery of the action plan:


Eleni Kiamos MÂ鶹ÊÓƵ I Penny Smith RÂ鶹ÊÓƵ I Alejandra Rojas RÂ鶹ÊÓƵ (Fellow) I Helise Ho MÂ鶹ÊÓƵ I Maia Cavendish MÂ鶹ÊÓƵ I Palavdeep Kaur Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Assoc.) I Melissa Bailey MÂ鶹ÊÓƵ I Freya Shaw Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Assoc.) I Abbey Goodall


Coming Up:

Here's a few programs delivered by the Women in Planning Networks that may be of interest:

Worthy at Work

Covering impostor syndrome, how to ooze poise and confidence (even when you are not really feeling it) and emotional intelligence at work. Presented by Janelle Ryan (Sky High Coaching).

Open to all: Wednesday 3 July 2024 I Online I Hosted from VIC I Learn more.

Members only: Thursday 4 July 2024 I In Person I VIC I Learn more.



Women's Planning Network Retreat 2024

This year's retreat focus is on empowerment, providing workshops aimed at equipping women with the skills necessary to excel in senior roles within our industry.

Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July 2024 I In Person I TAS

Learn more.


Gender Inclusive Design

Half-day workshop based on an Arup internal research piece exploring the implementation of a gender sensitive lens in Victoria’s planning processes through a gender inclusion framework.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 I In Person I VIC

Learn more.


Development Series

The 2024 ‘Know your’ Development Series continues to recognise the importance of developing soft skills – an importance that cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Throughout the year I Online I Hosted from QLD

Learn more.


Lunch and Learn

This series brings together speakers on topics around challenges for women in the workplace and in the planning profession.

Throughout the year I Online I Hosted from NSW

Learn more.


Spotlight on Best Practice Examples

Â鶹ÊÓƵ was pleased to have awarded the following projects in recent years, which are best practice examples of planning cities for women.



A Gendered Re-Framing of the Public Domain at Night
2023 National Tertiary Student Project Award
Awarded to Amy Wilkins Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Assoc.)

Learn more.



ACT Gender Sensitive Urban Design Framework and Toolkit
2023 ACT Community Wellbeing and Diversity Award
Awarded to ACT Government, PLACE Laboratory. Oculus, Communication Link Inhabit Place

Learn more.

Share your feedback

Â鶹ÊÓƵ and WPN State Committees would love to hear any feedback about the action plan. Please get in touch with your State below and share your thoughts.

Contact ACTContact NT
Contact QLDContact NSW
Contact SAContact TAS
Contact WAContact VIC