Shaping The Future of African Cities Through Female Urban Planners Empowerment

Abstract

Gender discrimination is a persistent issue in many African countries, including Nigeria, which limits women's participation in decision making, governance, and urban planning. Despite numerous studies conducted on professional planning practices globally, limited attention has been paid to the experiences and challenges of female urban planners, particularly in Nigeria. This study aims to address this gap by examining the experiences and perceptions of female planners in Lagos, Nigeria regarding their work conditions, entitlements, and obstacles. Systematic random sampling was used to select one of every two female planners listed in the Lagos state Ministries and Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria. Findings show that women in planning perceive unequal job opportunities, lower remuneration, and a higher risk of layoffs compared to their male counterparts as key employment issues. Additionally, the perception of possessing fewer skills hinders their career advancement. Furthermore, societal attitudes, limited influence within the profession, and challenges related to work-life balance further discourage women from pursuing careers in this field. This study concluded that significant gender disparities exist in planning within the study area, which are likely to affect the overall effectiveness of urban planning and governance in Nigeria. Hence, this study recommends initiatives such as awareness programs, mentorship opportunities, equitable job access, job security measures, and promotion of increased enrollment of females in academic institutions. These initiatives are not solely for enhancing gender quality but are also strategic for shaping cities that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all demographic groups.