What is the purpose of the study?
This research aims to explore and make visible the relationships between gender inequality, the built environment, and urban planning and design. By examining how urban spaces are planned, designed, and experienced differently by people of different genders and social backgrounds, the study seeks to identify practical processes, methods, and examples of good practice that can inform future urban planning and (re)design projects. Ultimately, the research aims to support the creation of more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive cities.
Why have you been invited?
You have been invited to take part because your knowledge, experiences, and perspectives are valuable to this research. Through public participation activities such as lectures, workshops, interviews, focus groups, and gender walks, the study gathers insights into gender-aware planning from both spatial and sociological perspectives. Your contributions will help us better understand the complexity of gendered urban experiences and address the persistent gap between policy and practice, and between planning intentions and their implementation. Your input will help inform, support, and critically reflect on future urban transitions.
Has this study received ethical approval?
Yes. This research follows Northumbria University’s ethical guidelines and has received ethical approval from the Northumbria University Ethics Committee. (Reference number: 44805/2022).
Who is the sponsor and data controller for this research?
Northumbria University is both the sponsor and the data controller for this research.
The lawful basis for processing personal data under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is Task in the Public Interest (Article 6(1)(e)), as research forms part of the University’s public responsibilities.
Your ideas, opinions, and contributions will not be shared without your permission. To safeguard your rights, only the minimum amount of personally identifiable information necessary for the research will be collected and used. Further information about how Northumbria University processes personal data can be found on the University’s website. If you require additional information, please contact the Data Protection Officer at [dp.officer@northumbria.ac.uk].
How will photo/video be used?
Photographs and video recordings may be taken during workshops and events to document activities and capture the research process. These materials may be used for research analysis, academic publications, lectures, reports, and project-related communications, including social media and promotional materials.
Images, audio, and video recordings will only be used for these purposes and will not be shared beyond the project team without your explicit written consent. No individuals outside the research team will have access to the original recordings.
How will your personal data be used?
The information you provide will be used solely for research purposes or to contact you about future opportunities to participate in this project. Your data will not be used to make decisions about services or opportunities available to you. You will not be personally identifiable in any publications, reports, or presentations resulting from this research.
Regarding the information we store…
Any information that could identify you will be stored securely and accessed only by authorised members of the research team. Interview and focus group recordings will be anonymised and stored on encrypted, password-protected systems. All transcripts will be fully anonymised.
Original (non-anonymised) recordings will be securely stored on encrypted, password-protected software and will be destroyed at the end of the study in accordance with University data management policies.