Virginia Santy: Why the world is still not built for women

Why the world is still not built for women

Design consultant Virginia Santy set out to create an office space built specifically for women, flipping the script on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways that workplaces and cities still fail them. The results were striking: greater productivity, deeper collaboration and an environment where women felt genuinely valued, leading her to ask a simple question: What would the world look like if we designed with women in mind?

Most environments, from office chairs to city plans, are still built for men, leaving women to adapt to discomfort and exclusion. Only recently have female crash test dummies and women in medical trials been included, highlighting the depth of this oversight. When workplaces and cities are intentionally designed around women's experiences, collaboration and ambition thrive, and economies stand to gain trillions. Rethinking what is considered normal can unlock spaces where women are truly valued and able to succeed.

The World Works Against Women By Design

From crash test dummies to office temperatures, the built world reflects male norms and overlooks women's real needs. Only two percent of US city plans mention women, and women spend 37 percent more time on care tasks than men. When workplaces and cities are shaped with women in mind, collaboration and economic gains follow. Rethinking design to truly value women transforms daily life and opens new possibilities for all.