India continues to experience rapid urbanisation, reshaping how people live, work, move, and participate in city life. Yet questions of gender, care, safety, accessibility, and inclusion remain insufficiently integrated into mainstream urban planning, governance, and policy frameworks. While there is growing recognition that women, gender-diverse persons, children, elderly populations, informal workers, and other marginalized groups experience cities differently, these lived realities are often inadequately reflected in the design and management of urban systems. 

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The roundtable was grounded in the understanding that cities are interconnected systems where housing, mobility, governance, public space, care infrastructure, livelihoods, safety, and environmental conditions collectively shape everyday experiences. Gender inequalities are often embedded within these systems, influencing access to opportunities, resources, services, and participation in public life. Addressing these challenges requires not only physical interventions, but also institutional change, community participation, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

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Drawing from experiences across multiple cities and sectors, the roundtable created a space for reflection, exchange, and collective learning. Participants examined both persistent barriers and emerging practices that have demonstrated potential in advancing gender-responsive urban development. The discussions focused on identifying actionable pathways for strengthening policy, governance, design, and community-led approaches that place dignity, care, equity, and inclusion at the centre of urban futures.

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The discussions were organised around four broad themes:
● Theme 1: Housing, Neighbourhoods and Basic Services
● Theme 2: Social Amenities, Care Infrastructure and Leisure
● Theme 3: Mobility, Accessibility and Safety
● Theme 4: Governance Challenges and Possibilities

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The roundtable was a closed-door event, with invited participation to reimagine infrastructure, mobility, housing, public space, governance and entire cities through the lens of relationality, interdependence, and lived experience: placing care, dignity, and equity at the very heart of urban futures. Akshara Centre and Feminist Collective in Architecture sent invitations to individuals and organisations.