Gender Equality at the Open Urbanism Foundation
This is a summary; download the full plan: GEP_Open_Urbanism_2025-2027 at the bottom of the page.
Why a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) ?
Participatory urbanism faces specific gender challenges: under-representation of women, unmet gendered needs, and participatory tools that can perpetuate inequality. Our GEP addresses these gaps.
2025-2027 Targets
Team Balance
- Maintain 50-50 parity in the core team
- Reach ≥ 40% women in the expert network
Research Mainstreaming
- Gender analysis in 100% of projects by 2026
- Develop inclusive participatory methods
Inclusive Events
- 50% women speakers in colloquia
- Family-friendly schedules, childcare provision, inclusive language
Safety & Prevention
- Zero-tolerance policy on violence/harassment
- Confidential reporting procedures
- Respectful-behaviour training
Our Means
Budget
- 2025 – 16 000 € (8%) ·
- 2026 – 19 200 € ·
- 2027 – 23 040 €
Expertise
External consultancy in gender-sensitive participatory urbanism; continuous staff and expert training; research-action on inclusive methods.
Innovative Tools
Digital participation platforms adapted for inclusivity; gender-sensitive indicators; participatory methodologies reflecting differentiated urban experiences.
Inclusive methods
Convenient scheduling; hybrid formats; balanced facilitation.
Differentiated use analysis
Mapping safe/unsafe spaces; studying mobility patterns and time constraints.
Designing equal spaces
Lighting & visibility; multifunctional amenities; universal accessibility.
Data & Indicators
Current snapshot
- Core team: 50% women / 50% men
- Expert network: data collection in 2025 (target ≥ 40% women)
- Executive leadership: parity
Annual tracking
- Participation rates, speaker balance, project mainstreaming, training hours – published each year.
Governance
GEP Steering Committee – Executive Director, Operational Lead, expert reps, external specialist – oversees implementation, indicators and annual review.
Training
2025 focus: unconscious bias, inclusive participation, gender analysis tools. Continuous library, webinars and workshops.
Partnerships
European GEP networks, universities, municipal pilots; sharing innovations and best practices internationally.
Transparency
Annual GEP activity report available for download; progress shared on social media and during events.
Contact & Reporting
GEP Manager: claire.germain@openurbanism.org · +41 78 320 90 63
Confidential contact for any concerns; qualified follow-up for corrective measures.
Resources on GEP & Gender-responsive Participatory Urbanism
https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/icgr/article/view/2028
https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/10986/33197/8/145305.pdf
https://www.genre-et-ville.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Guide_Genreeturbanisme_2022_VF.pdf
https://erc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/document/file/GEPs_in_HE_guidelines.pdf
Plan approved 12 July 2025 – reviewed annually.
