Journal of Urban Studies on Space and Place

Analyzing the consequences of women's empowerment in the decision-making environment of Isfahan metropolis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

pasand Mahdavi Saeidi 1
mostafa behzadfar 2
Mohammad Masood 3
seyed Mohammad Rashtiyan 4

1 Ph.D. Candidate of Urban Planning, Architecture and Urban Planning Faculty, Isfahan (Khorasgan), Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Urbanization , Architecture and Urbanization faculty, Science and University of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Architecture and Urbanplanning faculty, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Isfahan (Khorasgan), Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/jspr.2025.2055358.1119
Abstract
Introduction
Empowering women in the decision-making environment of the Isfahan metropolis is regarded as a socio-cultural necessity that plays a key role in enhancing transparency, justice, and efficiency in urban management. This process allows for more accurate attention to women's needs and challenges in urban policymaking. Women's active participation in urban decision-making processes not only increases the diversity of perspectives but also contributes to sustainable development and the fair distribution of urban resources and services, ultimately helping to reduce gender inequalities.
Theoretical Framework
‏The insufficient participation of women in urban decision-making structures may result in the neglect of crucial issues such as urban safety, access to public services, and work-life balance—all of which have a direct impact on citizens' quality of life. This study draws on theories of social justice, participatory governance, and gender equality to explore the consequences of empowering women, positioning this empowerment as a vital element in improving urban management outcomes.
Methodology
This study is qualitative, applied in its objective, and exploratory in its methodological approach. The statistical population includes the legal boundaries of the Isfahan metropolis in the year 2024 (1403 Hijri-Shamsi). Data collection tools include interviews and questionnaires. A one-sample t-test was used for data analysis. The sample size for the questionnaire includes 400 employed women in governmental, semi-governmental, and private organizations, selected randomly. Additionally, the interview sample consists of 20 experts chosen through purposive sampling.
Result and discussion
‏The research findings indicate that out of 84 basic themes related to the consequences of women's empowerment in the Isfahan metropolis, only 20 are above the average level. The overall average score for these themes is 2.7922, which reflects an undesirable situation. Among the themes, only "eliminating discrimination" and "life and health" scored above average. The negative values of the t-statistics for most themes further emphasize the overall weak and unsatisfactory state of women's empowerment outcomes in this context.
Conclusion
 ‏The results suggest that the consequences of women's empowerment in the decision-making environment of the Isfahan metropolis are generally at a weak and undesirable level. The low average scores and negative t-statistic values underscore the need for a comprehensive policy review and the implementation of proactive strategies to enhance women's participation in urban governance. Strengthening women's roles in decision-making structures is essential for achieving more equitable, effective, and accountable urban management.

Keywords

Women's Empowerment
Consequences
Decision-Making Environment
Isfahan

Subjects

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