The Women’s Affairs Unit at the Center for Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies, University of Baghdad, held a scientific workshop titled “Urban Planning and Improving the Quality of Life for Women and Families: Towards Safe, Inclusive, and Sustainable Cities.” The workshop was presented by Dr. Bushra Yassin, a faculty member at the Center, and was attended by several of the Center’s academic and administrative staff.
The workshop aimed to introduce the concept of urban planning and its significance in sustainable development, while exploring its relationship to the quality of life. It highlighted the needs of women and families within the urban environment, emphasized the importance of community participation in the development of urban plans, and examined successful international models that could be adapted for the development of Iraqi cities.
The workshop covered several key topics, including the definition, objectives, and components of urban planning; the environmental, social, economic, health, and physical dimensions of urban quality of life; the specific needs of women and families in cities; and the requirements for creating an urban environment that is safe and accessible to all.
Dr. Yassin discussed the impact of urban planning on improving public health, safety, and the environment. She also addressed the Iraqi legal framework regarding the participation of women in planning and decision-making, as well as the role of community engagement in enhancing transparency, refining planning decisions, and ensuring equitable distribution of services. Furthermore, she touched upon the role of universities in conducting field studies and analyzing community needs, as well as the use of modern digital tools in participatory planning. The workshop examined international experiences—including those from Vienna, Barcelona, Singapore, and Riyadh—to explore practices for engaging women and the broader community in urban planning, the development of residential neighborhoods, the improvement of transport and services, and the provision of public spaces, parks, and facilities tailored to the needs of women and families.
The workshop reached several key conclusions, affirming that successful urban planning extends beyond the mere organization of buildings, roads, and land use; rather, it centers on people and their needs, aiming to create an urban environment that is safe, healthy, equitable, and sustainable. The quality of life for women and families is directly linked to the availability of and ease of access to essential services, the efficiency of transport, the level of safety, and the quality of public spaces. Furthermore, involving women in the preparation of urban plans and decision-making processes helps identify the daily needs of residents and enhances the efficiency of urban services and projects. Meanwhile, universities play a vital role in supporting urban planning through scientific research, field studies, community outreach, and the provision of expert advice to relevant authorities. The workshop recommended enhancing women’s participation in urban planning committees, neighborhood councils, and bodies tasked with urban development. It also called for involving women in the evaluation of urban projects and services. Furthermore, it proposed conducting field studies and periodic surveys to identify the needs of women and families in Iraqi residential neighborhoods, using the findings to inform local planning. This includes prioritizing the design of safe streets and sidewalks, improving nighttime lighting, developing transport systems, and creating parks and public spaces accessible to families, people with disabilities, and the elderly. The workshop advocated for the “integrated-services neighborhood” model—ensuring that schools, health centers, nurseries, markets, and recreational facilities are located in close proximity to residential areas. Finally, it emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration among universities, municipalities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to develop studies and initiatives aimed at improving the urban environment.
