Harris Voices: Chicago Policy Review Editor-in-Chief Molly Smith, MPP Class of 2023, on Inequality and Underrepresentation in Urban Spaces

As a part of Harris Public Policy’s celebration of Women's History Month, we asked members of the Harris Community about the role of women in public policy studies. These are their opinions and perspectives, informed by their own life experiences and worldviews (and do not necessarily reflect the views of Harris).

Before I came to Harris, I was trained as an architect. The incoming class for my undergraduate program was almost half female. But I was surprised as the gender ratio of my class changed each year. I witnessed firsthand how the architecture profession is less forgiving towards women. The long hours and inflexible work schedule are less accommodating to those with caregiving responsibilities or other obligations outside of work.

This disparity goes beyond those who design our physical spaces to the urban policymakers. Fewer than one-fifth of U.S. cities with populations over 30,000 have female mayors. The number of female council members in the largest cities has been decreasing. Women are underrepresented in the fields of planning, architecture, and real estate development, particularly at the top. City zoning commissions and planning approval have a majority male membership. Women are more likely than men to have caregiving and housekeeping responsibilities, which can make it more difficult for them to participate in public meetings and serve on voluntary commissions.

This male domination is reflected in a built environment that often does not meet the needs of women. Some of these challenges are merely inconvenient and demoralizing: I’ve watched my sisters-in-law struggle to push a stroller down a sidewalk piled with plowed snow, or search for a public restroom with a changing table while running errands. Other challenges are more consequential: my friends and I have weighed the safety of waiting at poorly lit bus stops at night or suffered through sexual harassment on public transit. This disparity is woven into the very fabric of our cities: an intentional design decision caused every instance of a woman frantically searching for a lactation room or struggling to safely cross the street with her family in the time allotted by the pedestrian cross light.

It is important to address these issues to make urban settings work for people other than standard able-bodied men. We must ensure that women’s perspectives are included in policy development and implementation for urban spaces, and that data is collected and analyzed in a gender-sensitive manner. Family leave, flexible work arrangements, and affordable and high-quality childcare can reduce the burden on working mothers and support their career advancement and outcomes. It’s also important to have representation of women in media to critically assess policies that are proposed and implemented in our communities. I’ve been inspired by the research and analysis on this topic published by my colleagues in the Chicago Policy Review.

I’m continually inspired by my colleagues here at Harris: future leaders of all industries and backgrounds, brimming with empathy and optimism. Our cities suffer from many inequalities, but our Harris education has prepared us to tackle these issues head-on. I know that many of my female classmates will be leading that charge.

About Molly Smith

Molly Smith is an MPP candidate in the class of 2023 and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Chicago Policy Review. Prior to Harris, Molly worked in New York City helping public and private sector clients respond to urgent real estate problems created by the COVID-19 crisis. After Harris, Molly plans to leverage her extensive project management, leadership, and strategy experienceto encourage growth and resiliency in cities.