Gender and Urban Development in India: Challenges, Policies, and Pathways for Inclusive Cities

Abstract

Urbanization has become a central feature of India’s socio-economic transformation over the past few decades. While cities are widely regarded as engines of economic growth and social mobility, the benefits of urban development remain unevenly distributed across different social groups. Gender inequalities continue to shape how women experience and access urban spaces, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and governance processes. Despite increasing female educational attainment and growing participation in urban economies, women in Indian cities continue to face structural barriers related to labour market access, safety, mobility, and social norms.