SEXISM IN ARCHITECTURE: 3 INFOGRAPHICS & 3 STEPS TOWARD RESOLUTION

Infographics courtesy of the ACSA. For the full article and other infographics click here. 

Okay, the gender gap in architecture is bad. So, what can we do?  Here are 3 actionable steps we can take: 
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​1. The first step is education. The gender gap in architecture is not a women's issue: its everyone's issue. Gender equality is not about placing blame, but it is about understanding that all of us share a responsibility for furthering equality. If we each take small steps to understanding the problem, collectively, we will make great strides toward developing solutions.

The website of Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) provides access to great educational resources such as panel discussions, leadership events and they even provide best practice recommendations. 

Education is never truly complete. But an important step to further education is to share what one has learned.

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2. After education, we have to spread awareness. Only through increased awareness can we learn to identify the specific ways in which gender inequality presents itself in everyday work life. In practice, sexism is often more subtle than overt. To resolve sexism in the office, or in the field, we must first have the clarity to identify it. After identifying sexism we may develop the courage to discuss it.     

While mold may prosper in stagnation and darkness, it withers in the light of day. 

Join the conversation or start a new one. You can ask a friend about their experiences or share your experience with us. Leave a comment below, tweet us or leave us a message on facebook.

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3. Take action. Here are few ways you can get involved in building solutions for gender inequality in architecture: 

• Mentorship: If you are new to architecture, find a mentor you trust so you can discuss issues of equality in architecture. If you have experience, then reach out to a student, emerging professional or young architect to create a space for discussions about the gender gap and equality in the profession.
• Offer your support by becoming a member of the Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) or ask them how you can start a similar organization where you live. 
• Sign a petition to retroactively acknowledge Denise Scott Brown for her work in Venturi's 1991 Pritzker Prize. For more information, read this article or watch this video. 
• Help improve data collection on the gender gap. In order to solve a problem, we need to understand its characteristics. The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) is partnering with architecture schools on an Architecture Graduate Survey. The survey will compare data from recent grads from architecture schools across North America. If you know of a school that should get involved please share. For more information, contact .