Policies, Practices and Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender in Cities: A Case of India's Smart Cities Mission

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the gender mainstreaming in the Smart Cities Mission in India, demonstrating the significance of taking into account the needs of women and marginalized groups in the spatial planning and governance of urban areas. As urbanisation takes off, cities become economic powerhouses but the present urban planning frameworks often perpetuate gender inequalities instead of bringing inclusiveness. The research is guided by two objectives: assessing the gender mainstreaming in policies and implementation plans, and exploring the challenges of integrating gender into smart city initiatives. Although smart cities have the potential to bring inclusivity, there is a dearth in the understanding of how the smart city initiatives can work to ensure that gender disparities are met. The paper relies on qualitative documentary analysis which uses secondary data supplementation from government document, international organizations and education literature that help in identifying trends and gaps in gender informative urban planning. The article highlights the need for a paradigm change in terms of urban planning from a gender perspective that not only addresses women issues but also plan and design city spaces to make sure that these provide equal access to resources and services irrespective of gender. In addition, the study finds some cases of exemplary gender sensitive interventions, including accessible public toilets and smart clinics, to meet the special requirements of women despite lack of explicit provisions in the policy statement and guidelines. However, several obstacles and barriers such as institutional constraints, male dominance and lack of awareness remain in place, requiring collective and holistic approach to promote an inclusive agenda. Finally, the study stresses that an integrated understanding of gender as well as a gender perspective, should underlie all aspects of city planning to create urban environments that are sustainable and inclusive in all respects.