PWDC’s Gender Checklist is a 3-in-1 compilation checklist with items taken from or inspired by:

• MS1184:2014 – Universal Design and accessibility in the built environment – Code of Practice (Second Revision) published in November 2014 by the Department of Standards Malaysia;

• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Implementation Guide published in 2010 by Unit Khas NKRA Bandar Selamat under Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Semenanjung Malaysia; and

• Access Audit Checklist published in 2014 by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.

• To provide gender-friendly facilities which cater to the universal or unique needs of women and men of all backgrounds (young and old, people with disabilities);

• To make planning and development more gender-inclusive and sensitive; and

• To complement other inclusive design principles i.e. Universal Design and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.

• Provide easy access for ALL genders, instead of reinforcing stereotypes about gender roles in society (i.e. family rooms and diaper-changing stations which can be accessed and used by male parents or caregivers, and not just women);

• Cater to unique needs of ONE or ALL genders (i.e. more toilets for women to prevent long queues; and safe environments to prevent crime against everyone);

• Cater to all genders of ALL ages and abilities (i.e. a designated family / baby room which can be accessed and used by female and male parents and caregivers);

• Lessen the burdens of ONE or ALL genders (i.e. childcare facilities to allow mothers to return to work, and give parents and caregivers temporary relief);

• Uphold and promote principles of inclusion, accessibility, mobility and safety.

Everyone involved in planning and building public, commercial and housing facilities:

• State and Local Governments (MBPP / MPSP) – when reviewing and approving development proposals;

• Developers (State GLCs and private companies); and

• Planners, architects, designers – when designing a building, facility or area.

• Planners, architects, designers – as reference when designing a building, facility or area, alongside other design principles and checklists i.e. Universal Design;

• State and Local Governments – as a condition for approval of planning applications.

It is suggested that the Gender-Friendly Facilities Checklist be used together with other consultative and social impact assessment methods (i.e. surveys and focus group discussions) to determine if the design and layout of the building / facility / area suits and meets the needs of all potential user groups i.e. women, men, girls, boys, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Review or Download Gender-Friendly Facilities Checklist for Planning & the Built Environment