Gender Day at Munich's Planning Department: climate-friendly courtyards for everyone!

On October 16th, Gender Day was held at the Planning Department of the City Munich. Since 2008, the main departments have been organising this day on a rotating basis, focusing on current topics and projects related to gender mainstreaming in the Planning Department. This year, the JUSTNature project was presented to the over 35 participants from four main departments who took part in Gender Day.

The day began with an input on gender mainstreaming and the study on usage patterns ‘People at the Centre’. This was followed by an introduction of the JUSTNature project and a tour of the redesigned courtyards. Valuable discussions arose from different planning perspectives, which were further explored during a concluding joint lunch.

As an ice-breaker, the following questions on gender in planning processes were asked:

• When was the last time you noticed that gender roles influence your everyday working life? 
• Who has inspired you professionally and why?
• What does equality at work mean to you?
• What if children were to plan public (open) spaces?
• How would you explain gender-equitable planning to children?
• Do you know of a good example of gender-equitable planning and implementation in Munich (or elsewhere)?
• How would you assess the potential and importance of inner courtyards in the city of Munich, also with regard to gender-equitable planning?

It was inspiring to, once again, take part in these discussions, that have enriched the gender-sensitive perspective we apply to the JUSTNature project interventions. A big thank you to all participants for the valuable exchange, inspiration and perspectives that contributed to a successful Gender Day 2025.