Urban management professions through a gendered lens: Women's participation in Saudi Arabia's urban planning sector

The ongoing lack of normalization of women's participation in male-dominated professions represents a significant barrier to their full and effective engagement in the global workforce. The limited inclusion of women in decision-making roles and the exclusion of their knowledge and lived experiences further reinforce systemic inequalities —particularly in the Middle East. In response, this study is grounded in literature that underscores the importance of mainstreaming gender into urban management as a critical pathway to achieving socio-spatial justice and building sustainable cities. Focusing on the urban planning sector in Saudi Arabia, the study examines women's representation and decision-making capacity. It aims to investigate the extent of women's participation in urban management, identify key challenges, and offer practical recommendations for improvement. Data were collected using a snowball sampling method through an online survey administered to 111 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that women's involvement in urban planning decision-making processes remains limited. Consequently, the study highlights the need for strong policy, legal, and regulatory measures to advance gender equality in urban management. Additionally, it recommends investing in education and training, promoting gender sensitivity and awareness, and cultivating inclusive organizational cultures-factors that are equally vital and often yield more sustainable, long-term results.