Review and Relevance of Gender Revolution in Urban and Regional Planning in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is based on a review utilising secondary data through literature search on historical, systematic, and theoretical studies. The review of literature on gender revolution revealed many notable societal changes in the past five decades. However, the relegation of women to pink collar jobs and their visibility in the private sphere is changing and men and women now occupy spaces and positions in the public sphere. The on-going transformation of the male breadwinner family model which identifies the growth in female labor force participation and the growth in men’s involvement in domestic tasks is part of the gender revolution effect. City planning and development have been characterized by a spatial separation of functions and the functional hierarchy of gendered spheres is reflected in design of city spaces. Gender inequalities have significantly contributed to the social, economic, spatial, and political polarization of communities in Nigeria. This paper suggests gender revolution is relevant in bringing about gender transformative planning in education, policy, practice, and the profession. This can be achieved through creation of inclusive spaces that incorporate gender-sensitive planning and gender mainstreaming approaches in the conceptualization, planning, and design of the built environment.