Gender Equality in Obtaining a Deeper Understanding of the Implementation of Sustainable Cities and Communities Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

Gender Equality in Obtaining a Deeper Understanding of the Implementation of Sustainable Cities and Communities Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

Antonio M. Merca, Adelfa C. Silor, Faith Stephanny C. Silor

Technology Teacher Education, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.906000287

Received: 06 June 2025; Accepted: 09 June 2025; Published: 12 July 2025

ABSTRACT

This study explored the role of gender equality in achieving a deeper understanding of the implementation of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Framed within the context of inclusive and equitable urban development, the research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data to investigate gendered perspectives on sustainability during a public health crisis. A total of 178 participants were purposively selected, ensuring representation across gender identities and socio-cultural backgrounds. The purposive sampling method enabled the identification of key informants whose lived experiences and professional roles were directly relevant to the objectives of the study. Findings indicate that women were well-represented in city department offices, suggesting significant strides toward gender parity in local governance and urban planning. This gender balance reflects an encouraging trend: men and women, including marginalized groups and indigenous peoples, are increasingly gaining equitable access to knowledge, participation, and economic opportunities related to sustainable urban development. Moreover, the study found that access to training and capacity-building programs on sustainable cities and communities was viewed by participants as the most effective strategy for fostering inclusive development during and after the pandemic. Training activities were particularly instrumental in amplifying gender-aware perspectives, allowing both women and men to contribute to community resilience and sustainable recovery strategies. In conclusion, the study underscores that gender equality is not only a goal in itself but a vital catalyst for advancing sustainability in urban settings. The COVID-19 pandemic, while disruptive, has created opportunities to reframe policies and practices through a gender lens, promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities for all.

Keywords: Gender Equality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, COVID-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of urban systems while also emphasizing the importance of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. As cities around the world grappled with health crises, economic disruptions, and social inequalities, the urgency to implement Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) became even more apparent. However, the success of this implementation hinges not only on policies and infrastructure but also on the equitable inclusion of diverse social groups, particularly across gender lines (UN-Habitat, 2020).

Gender equality, enshrined in Sustainable Development Goal 5, plays a critical role in enabling both men and women to contribute to and benefit from sustainable urban development. Women and girls, often disproportionately affected by social and economic crises, face increased risks during pandemics due to gendered divisions of labor, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to decision-making spaces (Wenham, Smith, & Morgan, 2020). As such, ensuring gender-balanced participation in planning, policy-making, and local governance is essential for creating cities that are not only sustainable but also just and inclusive (Leach et al., 2021).

This study investigates how gender equality shapes the understanding and implementation of sustainable cities and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on the lived experiences and institutional participation of individuals across gender identities, the study aims to uncover the extent to which gender-responsive approaches are integrated into urban sustainability efforts. Through a mixed-methods design, it explores both the barriers and opportunities that arise when gender is placed at the forefront of sustainable urban development in times of crisis.

Research Objectives

1. To examine the extent of gender equality in local government and community participation in the implementation of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. To analyze how gender-responsive strategies and programs influence understanding and engagement with sustainable urban development initiatives during the health crisis.
3. To identify the barriers and opportunities faced by different gender groups, particularly women and marginalized populations, in contributing to sustainable city planning and resilience-building during the pandemic.
4. To assess the effectiveness of training and capacity-building activities in promoting inclusive and equitable implementation of sustainable urban policies.
5. To recommend gender-sensitive approaches that enhance the integration of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) into urban sustainability programs during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The intersection of gender equality and sustainable urban development has received growing scholarly attention, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) emphasizes the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, while SDG 5 calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The integration of these two goals is essential for building equitable cities, as gender-sensitive urban planning contributes to better outcomes in health, mobility, governance, and economic inclusion (UN Women, 2020).

Urban areas are often sites of unequal access to services and resources, with women and marginalized genders disproportionately affected by insecure housing, poor transportation, and limited access to decision-making processes (Habitat III, 2017). During the COVID-19 pandemic, these inequalities were amplified. Women, particularly those in informal sectors and caregiving roles, faced heightened vulnerabilities due to mobility restrictions, job losses, and overburdened health systems (Wenham et al., 2020). These realities underline the need for gender-responsive urban policies that recognize and address such disparities.

Research also emphasizes the value of participatory governance and capacity-building in sustainable development. Studies by Leach et al. (2021) and Tacoli (2018) suggest that training and education on sustainability can empower women and marginalized groups to participate more actively in planning processes, promoting gender-sensitive responses to urban challenges. In the Philippine context, initiatives such as the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710) advocate for the inclusion of gender perspectives in public planning and service delivery, aligning with national and global sustainability agendas (Philippine Commission on Women, 2019).

Despite policy efforts, the implementation of gender-inclusive sustainable city initiatives remains uneven. There is a lack of disaggregated data and a persistent underrepresentation of women in urban governance. This gap highlights the need for empirical studies, such as the present research, to explore how gender equality can enhance the understanding and execution of sustainability strategies, especially during health crises like COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY

This study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to obtain a comprehensive understanding of gender equality in relation to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The integration of both methods allowed for triangulation of data, increasing the reliability and depth of the findings.

Participants and Sampling

A total of 178 participants were purposively selected from various city department offices and urban community representatives. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure that participants had relevant knowledge and experiences regarding sustainable urban planning and gender participation, particularly during the pandemic. The sample included a diverse mix of individuals across gender identities, positions, and departments engaged in sustainability efforts.

Data Collection

Data was gathered through:

1. Structured Surveys – Distributed to capture quantitative data on participants’ demographic profiles, training engagement, perceived barriers, and suggested strategies related to gender and urban sustainability.
2. Semi-structured Interviews – Conducted with selected respondents to gain deeper insights into gender-based experiences, institutional practices, and the socio-cultural context affecting participation in sustainable city initiatives.

Instruments

The survey instrument included Likert-scale items, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended prompts, while the interview guide was developed to explore themes such as gender roles in urban governance, training needs, and inclusive policy-making. Instruments were validated by subject matter experts in gender studies and urban planning.

Data Analysis

Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) to assess gender distribution, training effectiveness, and perceived barriers. The data revealed a female-majority workforce in city offices (61.8%), pointing toward an encouraging trend in gender parity. However, disparities remained in leadership roles and access to resources.

Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing the researcher to identify recurring patterns and meanings. Key themes that emerged included gendered barriers to participation, the importance of gender-responsive training, and community-centered solutions. These findings supported existing literature emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and targeted capacity-building (Leach et al., 2021; Wenham et al., 202To enhance the robustness of the paper, the authors may consider expanding the qualitative component by integrating more direct participant narratives and illustrative case examples, particularly from individuals belonging to marginalized communities. Marginalized groups—such as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and those living in poverty—often face systemic exclusion from decision-making processes, access to resources, and opportunities for capacity development. Including their voices is crucial for capturing the nuances of inequality and for developing truly inclusive interventions. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the qualitative data, facilitating the identification of recurring patterns and underlying meanings. Prominent themes that emerged included gendered barriers to participation, the critical role of gender-responsive training, and the efficacy of community-centered approaches. These findings corroborate existing scholarship underscoring the necessity of inclusive governance and context-specific capacity-building (Leach et al., 2021; Wenham et al., 2020).

Ethical Considerations

All participants provided informed consent. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study. Ethical clearance was secured from the institutional research ethics committee.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

Table 1. Gender Representation in Local Urban Planning Offices

Discussion

The data indicates a higher representation of women (61.8%) in city department offices. This supports the claim that gender equality in local governance is improving. According to UN-Habitat (2020), increased female participation in urban policy and planning can lead to more inclusive, equitable, and community-responsive urban development practices. This finding also aligns with the Philippine Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), which mandates the integration of gender perspectives in all government programs. This is also supported by the study of Emfimo et al.(2024), stating that integrating gender education into the system is the key to breaking free from biases, closing pay gaps, ending workplace segregation, and empowering women economically. It transforms education into a catalyst for societal equality.

 Table 2. Perceived Barriers to Gender-Equal Participation in Sustainable City Programs

Discussion

Women face disproportionately high barriers, such as caregiving duties and a lack of access to leadership roles. Wenham et al. (2020) highlight how pandemics amplify gendered vulnerabilities, especially in urban settings where women often balance domestic and community roles. The data reinforces the need for gender-responsive planning and inclusive policies to ensure equal participation. Women face disproportionately high barriers in many spheres, including caregiving responsibilities and limited access to leadership roles, which are further exacerbated during crises. Wenham et al. (2020) highlight how pandemics amplify these gendered vulnerabilities, particularly in urban settings where women frequently juggle both domestic duties and community obligations. This dual burden not only restricts women’s time and resources but also limits their economic opportunities and political participation (Wenham, Smith, & Morgan, 2020).

Moreover, caregiving duties often fall disproportionately on women, impacting their ability to engage fully in professional and leadership roles (Alon et al., 2020). The intersection of gender with socio-economic factors creates compounded disadvantages, reinforcing systemic inequalities (Power, 2020). Studies further indicate that without deliberate gender-responsive planning and inclusive policy frameworks, these disparities deepen, leading to exclusion from decision-making spaces and critical resource allocation (Morgan et al., 2022).

Thus, the data underscores an urgent need for policies that recognize and address these structural barriers by promoting equitable access to leadership and caregiving support systems. Such gender-responsive approaches are essential not only for empowering women but also for building resilient, inclusive communities capable of navigating future crises effectively (UN Women, 2020).

 Table 3. Effectiveness of Training Programs in Promoting Gender-Inclusive Urban Sustainability

Discussion

Participants who engaged in targeted training showed higher understanding and involvement in sustainability initiatives. Training was cited as a key enabler for gender equality, supporting claims by Leach et al. (2021) that capacity-building is essential in gender-transformative urban development. Moreover, UN Women (2020) stresses that during crises like COVID-19, such trainings empower women to respond effectively and participate meaningfully in community rebuilding. Participants who engaged in targeted training programs demonstrated significantly higher levels of understanding, engagement, and leadership in sustainability initiatives. These training interventions were frequently cited as critical enablers for advancing gender equality, highlighting the transformative potential of capacity-building in fostering inclusive urban development. This aligns with the findings of Leach et al. (2021), who argue that gender-transformative urban planning must go beyond token participation and instead focus on building the skills, confidence, and agency of marginalized groups, particularly women, to influence policy and governance structures meaningfully.

Capacity-building initiatives that incorporate gender sensitivity and sustainability principles enable participants, especially women, to become active change agents in their communities. Such training not only enhances technical knowledge but also cultivates leadership, negotiation, and advocacy skills necessary for inclusive decision-making processes.

Moreover, UN Women (2020) emphasizes that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, gender-responsive training becomes even more crucial. During these periods, women often bear the brunt of socio-economic disruptions while simultaneously playing vital roles in community resilience and recovery. Equipping them with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively not only mitigates vulnerability but also ensures their meaningful participation in post-crisis rebuilding efforts.

These insights underscore the importance of institutionalizing regular, gender-focused capacity development as a foundational strategy in achieving sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban communities.

 Table 4. Suggestions to Improve Gender-Inclusive Urban Sustainability Post-COVID-19

DISCUSSION

There is a strong desire among respondents for institutionalizing gender equality through inclusive policies, leadership roles, and data-driven planning. These recommendations align with Tacoli (2018) and the New Urban Agenda (Habitat III, 2017), both of which emphasize the need for intersectional and participatory frameworks in sustainable urban governance. There is a strong and consistent desire among respondents for institutionalizing gender equality through inclusive policies, equitable access to leadership roles, and data-driven planning. These priorities reflect a growing recognition that sustainable development and social equity are inseparable. The recommendations echo the arguments of Tacoli (2018), who emphasizes the necessity of integrating intersectional approaches into urban policy-making, particularly in contexts where gender, poverty, and spatial inequality intersect. Tacoli highlights that without addressing these overlapping vulnerabilities, urban governance risks perpetuating systemic exclusions, especially among women in low-income, informal settlements.

This perspective is reinforced by the New Urban Agenda adopted at Habitat III (2017), which advocates for inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive frameworks as essential pillars of sustainable urban development. The agenda urges governments and institutions to ensure “women’s full and effective participation and equal rights in all fields and at all levels of decision-making,” and to apply gender-sensitive urban planning that recognizes the diverse needs and contributions of all citizens.

Moreover, leveraging sex-disaggregated data and intersectional analysis is increasingly acknowledged as vital in diagnosing inequalities and informing effective interventions (UN-Habitat, 2020). Without such data-driven strategies, policy frameworks risk overlooking marginalized voices and reinforcing existing disparities.

Thus, institutionalizing gender equality requires more than symbolic inclusion—it demands structural reform rooted in inclusive governance, accountability, and transformative leadership that values gender equity not only as a social justice issue but as a strategic imperative for sustainable and resilient urban futures.

There is a strong and consistent desire among respondents for institutionalizing gender equality through inclusive policies, equitable access to leadership roles, and data-driven planning. These priorities reflect a growing recognition that sustainable development and social equity are inseparable. The findings align with Tacoli (2018), who emphasizes the importance of integrating intersectional approaches into urban policymaking—particularly in contexts where gender, poverty, and spatial inequality intersect. Tacoli warns that without addressing these overlapping vulnerabilities, urban governance may unintentionally reinforce systemic exclusions, especially among women in low-income, informal settlements.

This perspective is further reinforced by the New Urban Agenda adopted at Habitat III (2017), which calls for inclusive, participatory, and gender-responsive frameworks as foundational to sustainable urban development. The agenda explicitly urges governments to ensure “women’s full and effective participation and equal rights in all fields and at all levels of decision-making,” and to implement gender-sensitive urban planning that recognizes the diverse needs and contributions of all citizens.

Future research could enhance generalizability by employing randomized sampling methods or conducting comparative studies across multiple cities or national contexts. Such approaches would allow for a broader understanding of how different cultural, socio-political, and economic environments mediate the effectiveness of gender integration strategies.

Moreover, the current study’s findings would benefit from a more granular analysis of which specific training interventions yielded the most significant outcomes. A deeper exploration of intersectionality—especially how gender intersects with class, ethnicity, disability, and geographic location—could provide greater nuance and improve the tailoring of policy responses.

To increase the practical utility of the research, the inclusion of a stepwise policy roadmap or toolkit for integrating gender equality into urban sustainability initiatives is recommended. Such a toolkit could guide local governments, NGOs, and urban planners in implementing inclusive strategies grounded in empirical evidence and participatory engagement.

The use of sex-disaggregated data and intersectional analysis is increasingly recognized as essential for diagnosing systemic inequalities and informing responsive interventions (UN-Habitat, 2020). Without such data-driven strategies, policy frameworks risk marginalizing the very populations they aim to support. Institutionalizing gender equality thus requires more than symbolic gestures; it demands structural reform grounded in inclusive governance, accountability mechanisms, and transformative leadership. Gender equity must be recognized not only as a matter of social justice but also as a strategic imperative for building sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban futures.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the critical role of gender equality in fostering a deeper understanding and effective implementation of sustainable cities and communities, especially amid the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that while women’s representation in urban planning departments is notably increasing, suggesting progress in gender inclusivity, there remain systemic challenges such as limited access to leadership roles, prevailing gender stereotypes, and the disproportionate burden of caregiving duties, which restrict equal participation in sustainability initiatives. The pandemic amplified these barriers, particularly for women and marginalized gender groups. However, the research also highlighted the value of gender-responsive training and capacity-building programs as instrumental in promoting inclusive urban development. Engaging all genders in sustainability education, urban governance, and crisis response planning contributes significantly to resilient and equitable cities. By integrating gender perspectives into the design, implementation, and monitoring of sustainable development policies, local governments can ensure that no one is left behind. Ultimately, the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)—must be intertwined, particularly in a post-pandemic context where rebuilding efforts demand inclusivity, empowerment, and systemic transformation.

This study underscores the urgent need to institutionalize gender equality within urban governance frameworks through inclusive policies, equitable leadership opportunities, and data-driven planning. Respondents consistently expressed a desire for structural reforms that move beyond tokenistic inclusion and toward transformative leadership rooted in social justice and accountability. The findings affirm that sustainable urban development cannot be achieved without addressing the intersecting inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized populations—particularly women in informal settlements and other vulnerable groups.

The alignment of these insights with existing frameworks, such as Tacoli’s (2018) call for intersectional urban policy and the principles enshrined in the New Urban Agenda (Habitat III, 2017), reinforces the imperative for participatory, gender-responsive, and inclusive governance. Leveraging sex-disaggregated data and intersectional analysis is not only a technical requirement but a moral and strategic necessity to ensure that urban policies respond to diverse lived realities.

For urban policymakers, planners, and stakeholders, the study highlights the value of developing and applying a stepwise policy roadmap or practical toolkit for integrating gender equality into sustainability initiatives. Such tools can help translate theoretical commitments into tangible action.

Future research should expand on this work through randomized sampling, comparative city or cross-country case studies, and deeper evaluations of specific training interventions to assess their long-term impact. Additionally, visual tools and public-facing summaries can help make these insights more accessible to both practitioners and community stakeholders.

Ultimately, embedding gender equality into the heart of urban development strategies is not just an ethical imperative—it is a foundational requirement for building inclusive, resilient, and just cities for all.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Grounded in the study’s findings and analysis, the following recommendations are proposed to improve gender equality in the implementation of sustainable cities and communities amid and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Institutionalize Gender Mainstreaming Across Urban Development Frameworks
   National and local governments should integrate gender analysis into all aspects of urban planning, infrastructure, and service delivery to ensure inclusive and equitable access to city resources and opportunities for all genders.
2. Strengthen Capacity Building Through Gender-Responsive Urban Sustainability Trainings
   Urban planning offices, NGOs, and academic institutions should develop and implement continuous, accessible training programs that address both sustainability goals and gender inclusivity. These trainings should prioritize the participation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized groups.
3. Promote Women’s and Gender-Diverse Leadership in Urban Governance
   Policies must be enacted to encourage greater representation of women and gender-diverse individuals in decision-making roles in urban planning councils, sustainability committees, and crisis response teams.
4. Enhance Data Collection and Monitoring Systems Using Gender Indicators
   Establish robust mechanisms for collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data to monitor progress on gender equality in urban sustainability programs. These indicators should be used to shape more inclusive and responsive policies.
5. Develop Gender-Sensitive Urban Recovery Plans Post-COVID-19
   Recovery strategies should address the unique impacts of the pandemic on women and gender minorities, including access to healthcare, housing, public transport, employment, and education.
6. Ensure Equitable Allocation and Utilization of GAD Budget for Urban Programs
   Local government units should prioritize the Gender and Development (GAD) fund for projects that promote inclusive urban resilience, disaster preparedness, and economic recovery focused on vulnerable populations.
7. Foster Community Engagement Through Inclusive Participation Platforms
   Encourage participatory governance by creating inclusive forums that enable all gender groups, especially marginalized voices, to contribute to the planning, design, and monitoring of sustainable urban initiatives.
8. Advocate for Policy Reforms That Support Gender Equality and Urban Inclusion
   Legislative bodies and urban policy advocates should push for amendments or the enactment of laws that reinforce gender equality and urban inclusivity, such as mandatory gender audits in local urban development plans.

By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can significantly contribute to the realization of both SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), building a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society that effectively responds to future challenges.

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