Italy·7 - 11 December 2026
SPACES FOR WOMEN , Gender-Responsive Urban Planning
A structured mobility course on gender bias in urban space, perceived vs actual safety, and participatory design with women as primary users
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Overview
Designing Cities for Women is a structured learning mobility course for urban planners, adult educators and public-sector staff working on public space and community services. Urban space is not neutral by default , it is typically designed around a male experience of the city (mobility patterns, schedules, perceived risk). The course provides an evidence-based framework across four areas: Gender Bias in Urban Design, Perceived vs. Actual Safety, the "Urbanismo de los Cuidados" model, and Participatory Co-Design with women as primary users. It builds transferable planning competencies, drawing on documented prior work in intercultural mediation and diversity-charter frameworks. The methodology is non-formal and experiential, consistent with Erasmus+ quality standards; participants leave with a gender-responsive design checklist for their own organisation's public spaces or services. Delivered by Inesto SRL SB & Inesto APS; open to Erasmus+ accredited sending organisations and self-funded participants.
Highlights
Gender Bias in Urban Space
Data and cases (lighting, transport, pedestrian routes), not ideology.
Perceived vs. Actual Safety
How each is measured, and how each is designed for.
Urbanismo de los Cuidados
The Barcelona/Vienna model as an operational case study.
Co-Designing with Women of the Territory
Participatory method applied in practice, directly linked to prior work.
Co-Designing Space with Its Users
Participatory method applied to the sensory dimension of space, not only its function.
Live Case Study
A real Inesto project dissected piece by piece: what worked, what didn't.
Hosts
Paola Balduzzi
Paola Balduzzi is an architect and urban planner (M.Arch, Politecnico di Milano), and founder of Inesto, focused on how open and enclosed space shapes wellbeing. She leads gender-responsive, care-based urban projects across Italy and the Mediterranean, drawing on Inesto's work in intercultural mediation and diversity-charter frameworks.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Course Objectives
Describe documented gender bias in urban design using data on lighting, transport and pedestrian infrastructure.
Distinguish between perceived and measured safety in public space, and apply methods to assess each.
Analyse the "Urbanismo de los Cuidados" model as an operational planning framework.
Design a participatory process with women as primary stakeholders, building on prior diversity-charter methodology.
Produce a gender-responsive design checklist applicable to their own organisation's public spaces or services.
Engage in structured intercultural peer exchange across European contexts.
Key Themes
Gender bias in urban space
Perceived vs. actual safety
Urbanismo de los Cuidados (Barcelona/Vienna)
Co-designing with women of the territory
Women producers in the supply chain
Measuring post-project impact
Live case study
Methodology
Grounded in non-formal education and experiential learning, consistent with Erasmus+ quality standards. No passive lectures: hands-on workshops, guided experimentation with real tools, structured debate and reflective practice. Every idea is tested in practice and connected to participants' own teaching or organisational context.
What's Included
What's Included
5 days of structured learning (25 hours, 5 hours per day)
all course materials and a digital resource pack
certificate of attendance and completion
Europass Mobility document (on request)
materials & design-brief template
What's Not Included
accommodation
meals
travel
travel insurance
personal expenses
Tickets
DESIGNING REAL IMPACT - PALERMO
Training Course
FROM$940.82/pp
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For Erasmus+ Coordinators
Inesto SRL SB is an Erasmus+ accredited receiving organisation in Adult Education (KA1 – Learning Mobility of Individuals). This course qualifies as a structured course activity under KA1 staff mobility. We issue all documentation required for Individual Reports: Letter of Confirmation, certificate of attendance and completion, and Europass Mobility document upon request. Pro-forma invoices are available upon request for grant applications to your National Agency.
For HR & Training Managers
This course addresses a documented organisational need: Public bodies and third-sector organisations face growing requirements (european or national equality strategies) to demonstrate gender-responsive planning competency in their staff. This course produces a documented, transferable capability gain.
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
Adult educators, trainers, youth workers and community practitioners along with Architects, urban planners, public-space operators and adult educators who work on built environments — open and enclosed spaces.
Can my organisation use an Erasmus+ grant to fund participation?
Yes. This course is delivered by an Erasmus+ accredited organisation in Adult Education (KA1), making it eligible for staff mobility grants. Participants from accredited sending organisations can apply for funding through their National Agency to cover course fees, travel, and subsistence. We are happy to provide a pro-forma invoice and Letter of Confirmation for your application.
(OID E10365283)
How many participants does the course take?
Each cohort is limited to a maximum of 16 participants. This ensures adequate facilitation quality, meaningful peer exchange, and compliance with the experiential and non-formal education methodology used throughout the programme.
What is included in the course fee?
The fee covers the full 5-day programme (minimum 25 hours of guided content), all course materials and a digital resource pack, guided meditation audio recordings, a guided nature activity in Ibiza's landscapes, cultural and social programme, coffee, tea and herbal infusions during breaks, and an official certificate of completion.
Accommodation, flights, and meals are not included.
What language is the course delivered in?
The course is delivered in English, but if required, can be delivered in Spanish or Italian. All written materials and documentation are provided in English. Participants are expected to have a working level of English sufficient for group learning and reflection.
Do I need any technical or coding background?
No. The course is designed for professionals with no technical background.
What documentation is issued for Erasmus+ reporting?
Inesto SRL SB issues an official certificate of attendance and completion upon successful participation in the full programme. A Europass Mobility document can be provided upon request. Both documents are accepted for Erasmus+ Individual Reports and organisational quality reporting to National Agencies.
Can we book the course for a group or team?
Yes. We can organise a dedicated edition for a minimum of 12 participants from a single organisation or consortium, including customised dates and programme adaptations.
Contact us at info@inesto.it to discuss.
How do I book, and what is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are confirmed via our Easol listing. A deposit is required to secure a place. Full cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Sending organisations whose participants are awaiting a grant decision from their National Agency are encouraged to contact us directly to discuss provisional booking arrangements.