Online – Gender Inclusive Design
- CPD Value: This event is allocated 1 CPD hours
| Dates | Location | Cost (ex VAT) | |
| Wed 04 Mar 2026 | Online via Teams | Free |
Full Details
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Date: 4th March 2026
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Topic: Gender Inclusive Design
Understanding Gender Inclusive Design in the built environment: Research Insights, Project Applications, and Lessons Learned
This session will introduce the core principles and purpose of Gender Inclusive Design (GID) within transport planning, highways, and public realm projects. It will explore what GID is, why it matters for engineers, planners, and designers, and how embedding gender‑inclusive thinking can lead to safer, more accessible, and more equitable environments for everyone who uses our streets, spaces, and transport networks.
With International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 providing a timely moment to reflect on women’s experiences of mobility and public space, the session will consider how gender shapes travel patterns, perceptions of safety, and day‑to‑day interactions with transport infrastructure. This context reinforces the value of understanding diverse user needs and designing places that work for everyone.
The session will also offer an honest exploration of the realities of applying GID in practice — including challenges around data availability, organisational culture, engagement approaches, and the need to balance inclusivity with programme and budget constraints. Attendees will leave with practical tools, lessons learned, and actionable approaches to help integrate gender‑inclusive thinking into their own projects, supporting more inclusive environments throughout the year.
Presenter: Susan Leadbetter is a transport planner with over 10 years’ experience. She spearheaded WSP’s Gender Inclusive Design team and now leads work across the UK to embed safety and inclusion into transport networks, public spaces, and infrastructure. Her strengths lie in stakeholder engagement, participatory and co‑design processes, and cross‑sector collaboration. Her work spans research, engagement, and technical assessment, ensuring solutions are both evidence‑based and practical.
She is Vice Chair of Women in Transport’s Women’s Safety Steering Group, where she leads collaborative research, engagement, and design initiatives that centre the needs of women, girls, and gender‑diverse people. She works closely with operators, local authorities, and developers to address violence against women and girls, supporting the delivery of safer, more inclusive environments for all.