This publication offers a comprehensive overview of the development of gender-sensitive research in urban planning, architecture and housing in Spain over three decades. Authored by Inés Sánchez de Madariaga, the text traces the evolution of this field from its early stages in the 1990s to its consolidation in academic, professional and institutional contexts.
The article shows how progress in integrating gender perspectives into urbanism has been driven by the interaction between academia, feminist activism and public institutions. It documents the emergence of pioneering initiatives, research groups and professional networks, as well as their influence on public policies and planning practices.
A key contribution of the work is its analysis of the gradual incorporation of gender into urban policy frameworks, including its recognition in major legislative milestones such as the 2007 Equality Law and the Land Law.
From today’s perspective, the publication also provides a valuable basis for understanding subsequent developments in gender mainstreaming in urban planning, including its expansion into international agendas, policy instruments and applied practices. It highlights ongoing challenges related to care, mobility and demographic change, which remain central to advancing more inclusive and equitable cities.
Presented at the International Conference Gender, Architecture and City (GAC 2019), this work contributes to documenting and critically reflecting on the foundations and trajectories of gender mainstreaming in Spanish urbanism.