Sousse: A Guide for Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning

In the fabric of urban life, the inclusion of women is not just a question of equity and representation. It is also, and above all, a fundamental prerequisite for creating prosperous, sustainable communities. Urban planning and consultation processes must actively involve women to ensure that the diverse needs, experiences and perspectives of all community members are taken into account and addressed. 

Once a cosmopolitan and thriving neighbourhood on the corniche of the medina overlooking the Mediterranean sea, in the traditional Gabadji neighbourhood, women are facing gender disparities in economic opportunities, mobility possibilities, health access, perception of safety and political participation. This city guide proposes key interventions to favour a gender-sensitive urban rehabilitation and provision of public services in the neighbourhood. Find out more about the guide and its recommendations in French.

Key recommendations:

• Safety: A lack of infrastructures, of public transports and buildings maintenance, reinforces the perception of insecurity in the neighbourhood, especially felt by women. As a result, women limit their mobility within and from the neighbourhood, consequentially hindering their economic and social perspectives. 
• Public policies for gender-sensitive urban planning and participation: Women are informal leaders in their communities. They are essential figures contributing to the social, economic and cultural dynamics of urban communities. But for women’s expertise and needs in urban planning to be acknowledged and recognised, what is still systematically lacking is a platform to voice their concerns and aspirations. The possibility for women to participate in local politics and decision-making was considered “critically low” by the interviewed women. With a pro-active public policy encouraging their participation, reaffirming women’s rights, gender-sensitive municipal budget, the municipality can overcome this gap in political participation and help create a more inclusive city
• Improved access to education and jobs: in Gabadji Grandi, 6 women out of 10 are currently unemployed. A better access to education, a municipal support for the creation and establishment of women cooperatives could foster female professional integration

Through a series of upcoming guides in pilot cities of Sousse, Mahdia, Msaken and Kairouan, the Femmedina project proposes recommendations for a gender-sensitive urban planning in Tunisia. Urban planning processes must actively seek out and amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that their perspectives are taken into account in shaping the future of cities. Only in this way can we create truly inclusive, dynamic and sustainable urban environments for all.