Cities have been designed without women’s experiences in mind for a long time, making public spaces feel unsafe or inaccessible. Placemaking with a gender lens centres women’s daily realities such as care work, mobility needs, and safety concerns. It calls for inclusive and supportive environments shaped through diverse voices. Designing for women ultimately creates cities that work for everyone.

This photo essay shares examples from across Canada of creative ways that cities are incorporating play into their designs—for the kid in everyone.

Urban planning today often presents itself as progressive, portraying itself as the architect of inclusive cities. However, inequalities persist in planning practice. Informed by a survey of women and non-binary professionals in the field, let’s reflect on why the “old boys’ club” still exists, and what we can do about it.

On October 9th, celebrated authors and urban mobility advocates Melissa and Chris Bruntlett will launch their new book, Women Changing Cities. Learn more on how Women in Urbanism Canada is a part of this historic event.

Women in Urbanism Canada hosted its second Annual General Meeting on April 24, 2025. The meeting included a strategic planning session, organization updates, and voting on key matters.

Women across the country are accelerating action toward the cities we want to live in. Help us celebrate and support just a few this International Women’s Day.

We are thrilled to be one of the 170 organizations funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada to help build our organization capacity and scale our impact.

Public seating is critical in creating a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment that people want to relax and linger in. Here are 8 characteristics of quality public seating that caters to the needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Women in Urbanism Canada strongly encourages Ontario Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, to put the brakes on Bill 212 and invest in active transportation infrastructure for everyone.

Navigating the city with a child can be one of the most unexpectedly challenging parts of parenthood due to inaccessibility, lack of infrastructure, and social isolation.

Car-free streets are inclusive for all genders and ages. They are also safer, more enjoyable, and healthier than their alternative.

Bogotá is home to a city-wide cycling network that covers more than 600km of streets – making it the most extensive in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.

Women in Urbanism Canada hosted its first-ever Annual General Meeting in April 2024. The meeting included speakers, organization updates, and voting on key matters.

While rarely the face of Canada's homeless crisis, many women experience homelessness. The lived experiences of women who sleep rough differs significantly from those of men. On top of challenges of obtaining basic necessities, women who are unsheltered must also deal with gendered obstacles such as menstruation, threats of violence, and pregnancy.

Women across the country are making remarkable impacts and progress to transform Canadian cities. Help us celebrate just a few this International Women’s Day.

Advocacy at its core is expressing belief in something. It could be as simple as sharing a well-written article to introduce new ideas or raising a hand in a work meeting. Advocacy is for everyone, and it does’t have to be difficult.

We are pleased to announce the three incredible women that have recently joined our board of directors. Learn about their backgrounds, experiences, and skills that are set to help shape the future of the organization.

The closure of Portage and Main pedestrian intersection in 1976 remains a contentious and a gendered issue today. Those who advocate for opening the intersection continue to push for improved safety, accessibility, and downtown vibrancy.

Enjoy a curated list of our favorite news stories, articles, projects, and resources that have crossed Women in Urbanism Canada’s feed in 2023.

A brief summary of the virtual workshop Gender-Based Placemaking at Edworthy Park.