Achieving gender equality in the field of architecture and design in India remains a challenge: the industry is dominated by men, with only 30% women representation. This under-representation of women in both the workforce and leadership roles limits diversity and hinders innovation and creativity.

Achieving gender equality in the field of architecture and design in India

However, women are ready to take on the challenges of this technically and physically demanding profession and are just as capable of men in excelling in their chosen field of work. Like men, they can shape cities and urban landscapes, and create aesthetically appealing public and private spaces. It is also essential that both the government and private companies formulate women-friendly policies that promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for their professional growth.

Achieving gender equality in the field of architecture and design in India

In the following pages, women architects and interior designers share their views with Zainab Faridi on the challenges they face, and why they are not intimidated by a male-dominated work environment.

Achieving gender equality in the field of architecture and design in India


The emergence of women in the profession

Ar. Aparna Kaushik - Aparna Kaushik Design Group

The emergence of women in the profession is a positive development; they can shape cities and urban landscapes the same way as men. Architecture is a crucial aspect of our lives as it helps people connect with their surroundings and Read more ...

a career in architecture and design

Rashi Bothra & Ruchi Gehani - Azure Interiors

Women pursuing a career in architecture and design should develop a diverse range of skills, including communication and networking, actively seek opportunities, keep abreast of market trends, designs, and technologies, and be Read more ...

The field of architecture and design

Monica Chadha - Design Deconstruct

Women can break one glass ceiling after another, even if the glass is as hard and unrelenting like concrete. The field of architecture and design has seen a significant increase in the number of women enrolling in architecture programs in Read more ...

to career-advancing opportunities and inadequate mentorship

Anushka Ahuja - GharGhar

Women in architecture and design still face pervasive sexism, including limited access to career-advancing opportunities and inadequate mentorship. While there has been progress in recent years, much work remains to create a more equitable Read more ...

to the physical nature of the work

Meenu Agarwal - MADS Creations

While architecture and interior design were traditionally considered more suitable for men due to the physical nature of the work, women have shown that they are just as capable of excelling in these fields. Over the past few decades, the ratio Read more ...

the inclusion of women in the workforce

Saba Kapoor - Nivasa

Both the government and private companies have a significant role to play in ensuring the inclusion of women in the workforce, which is crucial for developing a more diverse and inclusive society. The architecture and design industry in Read more ...

in architecture and design

Sweta Arya - Ochre at Home

Although there may be fewer women in architecture and design, their impact and influence cannot be overlooked; companies should therefore adopt women-friendly policies that promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for Read more ...

the architecture and design industry

Ritu Gupta - Pramod Group

The challenge is not about being a woman in the architecture and design industry; it is about continuous self-development and upskilling to be competitive and successful. Over the past several years, there has been a significant surge in Read more ...

Architecture is a field that has traditionally been dominated by men

Meera Pyarelal - Temple Town

For a woman to make a mark in a male-dominated field like architecture, she must have genuine passion for the profession, persistence, and resilience to take on challenges. Architecture is a field that has traditionally been dominated by men, but Read more ...

the world’s top 100 architecture

Dhara Shroff - Tessera India

Despite their capabilities, women are often pigeonholed into the design industry or pushed toward smaller architectural firms. A survey conducted by Dezeen revealed that only three out of the world’s top 100 architecture firms are led by women Read more ...