Do gender equality and women's empowerment influence socially sustainable urban development in developing cities?

Gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) are fundamental pillars of social sustainability and are integral to achieving comprehensive socio-economic development. Despite the accelerating urbanization in many developing countries, significant gaps remain in advancing GEWE, thus hindering the achievement of equitable development in these regions. This study aims to assess the current state of GEWE and examine its influence on socially sustainable urban development (SSUD), with a focus on the interconnections between gender equality and urban sustainability. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the study combined a structured questionnaire survey with key informant interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Dhaka, chosen as a representative city from the Global South, served as the case study. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 673 residents, ensuring a diverse and representative sample for analysis. The study revealed low satisfaction levels among respondents concerning the current state of GEWE, suggesting a gap between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities. Additionally, a robust positive correlation was found between GEWE and SSUD in Dhaka, a relationship consistently confirmed through various statistical tests. Expert interviews further highlighted the importance of addressing seven key GEWE indicators to foster more inclusive and sustainable urban development. This study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and government agencies, emphasizing the need to integrate GEWE into urban development frameworks. The research underscores the critical role of GEWE in achieving SSUD in Dhaka and other rapidly urbanizing cities within developing countries. The study contributes to ongoing discussions around SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), reinforcing the importance of gender equality as a central driver of sustainable urban futures.