The (AWTPN) has called for increased investment in women and girls as a critical strategy for building inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities across .

Speaking in commemoration of 2026, the National Chairman of AWTPN, , said empowering women in urban planning would significantly improve community development and governance.

Empowering Women for Sustainable Urban Development

Okoye explained that the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women and girls to achieve equitable and prosperous cities.

According to her, including women in decision-making processes within the urban planning sector will strengthen development outcomes and ensure that cities are designed to meet the needs of all residents.

She said empowering women planners will help build cities that are more sustainable, resilient and socially inclusive.

Challenges Facing Women Town Planners

Despite growing participation in the built environment sector, Okoye noted that women town planners still face structural and cultural barriers limiting their career advancement.

She identified several challenges affecting female professionals, including:

• Limited access to leadership positions
• Inadequate representation in decision-making bodies
• Societal stereotypes
• Limited opportunities for professional development

According to her, these obstacles slow down progress not only for women but also for the entire urban planning profession.

Call for Policy Reforms

To address these challenges, the AWTPN chairman urged policymakers to introduce targeted reforms that support women’s advancement in the sector.

She recommended measures such as leadership quotas where necessary, mentorship programmes, professional training and the creation of inclusive workplace environments in both public and private institutions.

Promoting Gender-Responsive Urban Planning

Okoye emphasised that gender-responsive planning plays a key role in solving urban challenges.

She explained that when women participate actively in planning processes, cities become safer and more accessible, with better infrastructure supporting economic and social opportunities.

According to her, integrating women’s experiences into planning improves areas such as public safety, mobility, housing design and access to essential services.

AWTPN Initiatives to Support Women

The association is also implementing several initiatives to support women in urban planning.

These include mentorship programmes, professional workshops and training sessions designed to equip women with skills in sustainable urban development, climate resilience and leadership.

AWTPN is also engaging students through outreach programmes in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to encourage young girls to pursue careers in urban and regional planning.

Okoye stressed that empowering women within the planning profession would strengthen institutions, improve policies and create cities that better reflect the needs of all citizens.

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The Executive Director of Africa’s leading Housing Advocacy civil society organisation Barr. Festus Adebayo has charged the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN) to prioritize gender inclusion in urban planning, to actively promote and support women’s participation in the sector.

Adebayo who made this call during a courtesy visit on him by the leadership of the association at his office, underscored the need for aggressive advocacy programs and collaborative efforts.

Demonstrating his dedication, he pledged unwavering support to ensure the association’s vision thrives, affirming that his doors are always open for ongoing dialogue.

READ ALSO: HDAN Champions Gender Inclusivity in Urban Planning as Women Town Planners seek Collaboration

He said “We would like to encourage you to attract more women to this profession…Also, look for a way to celebrate and honor your seniors in the profession, so that they can know they have great women to take over from them.

“The time has come for us to encourage our women to go into town planning. I also want to encourage you to do more for advocacy to create awareness. I must also this opportunity to thank the chairman of FCT chapter TPL ( Mrs) Lami Ayuba and the great women who are here today.

“I must also thank you for your initiative to go into slum upgrading, we will be interested in supporting you any day, as far as it has to do with bringing sanity to development in the cities. We are already receiving the support of the Federal Ministry of Housing and the World Bank in this area. I want to assure you that we will do everything to support you at no cost, instead, we’ll provide financial support for you.

The national chairman of the Association, Tpl (Mrs) Rekiyat Ahuoiza Fache FNITP.The National Chairman Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), a former special assistant to the former minister of state for FCT expressed profound appreciation for HDAN” ‘s significant contributions to the housing and urban development sector, highlighting the purpose of their visit, which was to intimate the organisations of their agenda as new executives and to seek the organization support support towards them. Also, Mrs. Fache revealed ambitious plans to expand the association’s reach to all 36 states of the federation.

Mrs Fache stated “We appreciate you greatly, our honorary town planner, we believe in your capacity, strength and wisdom and that is why we are here to collaborate with your organization because with that we know we can move our association forward to greater heights.

“We are going to embark on aggressive advocacy, and we hope to extend our tentacles to the 36 states of the federation and not just FCT.”

This collaborative effort between the Association of Women Town Planners and Fesadeb Communications Ltd marks a crucial milestone in bridging gaps and fostering synergy between public and private sectors for the betterment of urban development initiatives nationwide, with a particular focus on gender inclusion.

Source: Africa Housing News

The post HDAN Champions Gender Inclusivity in Urban Planning as Women Town Planners seek Collaboration appeared first on Housing TV Africa.