This Homelessness Week, national women’s housing and homelessness specialist, YWCA Australia, is calling for gender responsive housing design to be adopted as a positive action to tackle rising rates of homelessness.
YWCA Australia has launched Gender Responsive Design Guidelines for developers of social and affordable housing, offering a blueprint centred in gendered considerations.
YWCA Australia Group CEO Michelle Phillips stated, “Women too often find themselves in unsafe or unsuitable homes.”
“The theme for Homelessness Week is Action Now and these design guidelines offer a practical tool ready to be used across the sector and deliver long-term housing solutions that suit women’s needs.”
Housing insecurity is gendered: women face distinct risks, needs, and outcomes in the housing system, yet most current housing policy, design, and funding mechanisms remain gender-blind
Women are facing the brunt of the housing crisis, representing 60% of specialist homelessness services clients, with 45% of all women seeking homelessness assistance identifying family and domestic violence as the main cause.
Developed in consultation with Dr Samantha Donnelly, UTS lecturer in the School of Interior Architecture, the guidelines are built on the YWCA Australia’s Women’s Housing Framework to offer a practical solution to the gendered nature of the housing crisis.
“One-size-fits-all solutions do not adequately address the intersecting and structural challenges faced by women and gender-diverse people” says Ms Phillips.
“Design matters and it’s about so much more than just safety. With women led families, considerations also must be given to what the children need. A lot of homes being built now are 1 or 2 beds as the focus is on value for money. We know that women led families’ models like one-bedroom apartments don’t meet the needs and this limits the supply of homes suitable.
“Considerations for local schools, public transport, health services, access to green spaces, day cares, grocery stores/supermarkets, and neighbourhood safety also matters.
“All these things need to be in place for social, emotional and physical well-being for women and their families”, said Ms Phillips.
The design guidelines are available for use by Government agencies, community housing providers, peak bodies and property development professionals such as architects, planners and builders and includes a checklist to assess key gender responsive design principles.
These design guidelines are also a key part of YWCA Australia’s broader Safe Homes, Equal Futures campaign – a national advocacy initiative that provides a clear roadmap for decision-makers to create gender-responsive housing policies that work for women, gender diverse people, and their families.
Homelessness Week 2025 runs from 4 to 10 August, raising awareness and advocating for solutions across housing in Australia. YWCA Australia is leading the call for gender responsive solutions to the ongoing housing crisis.
END
For more information or interviews, contact Kristie Lin at kristie@fiftyacres.com or
Mobile 0485 954 652
Link to guidelines here.
Some recommendations in the Guidelines include
YWCA Australia is a leading national not-for-profit organisation that has been championing women’s rights and gender equality for over 140 years. With a presence in 17 locations across the country and over 200 dedicated employees, we deliver a range of services, including affordable housing, homelessness support, and leadership programs. Our purpose is to enable women and gender diverse people to find stability, safety, and security, allowing them to build the future they envision for themselves and their families.
Michelle Phillips – CEO
Michelle has almost 20 years’ senior executive leadership in I/NGO and commercial organisations with the advancement of women as the common thread. She has extensive international and local business experience in national strategy, change management, community engagement, funding and commercial partnerships.
From Country Director delivering and advocating for lifesaving women’s health services in Asia and Africa, to establishing the highly successful national Westfield W-League and CEO roles with the Hyundai A-League football clubs, Michelle is a true social business leader driven by improving social impact and financial performance.
Accessibility Tools