According to Oxford Dictionary, An Architect is a person who is qualified to design buildings and to plan and supervise their construction. The contribution of humans to building a sustainable, functional and inclusive city. Historically, it was a prejudice for a man to be involved only in the field of designing and construction. To date, many women architects have heard this. The pioneers who took their guts and will to pave the way faced a lot of more difficulty than us. As the world and people’s perspectives are changing, women are reshaping the male-dominated field.
Before they were officially recognized, women were involved in designing important structures in ancient times, such as temples in Mesopotamia, which were later controlled by male leaders.Louise Bethune is known as the first woman to start a professional architectural practice. According to the World Bank, only about 15.9% of jobs in engineering and architecture are held by women. In 2023, women made up 27% of the total number of architects, which is a 1 percentage point increase from 2022. Over the last five years, the number of women in architecture has been steadily increasing, and now they make up more than a quarter of the architectural workforce.
In the Context of Nepal
Nepal, a country rich in cultural heritage, the identity of Nepal known to the world is mostly by its architecture. As a country, an earthquake-prone country the fields are destined to have more manpower. We see that the number of graduates is 80% more than the actual practitioners. The societal values and gender disparity have become an issue not only in Nepal but overall the world. In comparison to the older generations, the field is really emerging.
How?
Women are known for bringing fresh perspectives and ideas that focus on empathy, sustainability, community involvement, and inclusivity.
Architecture relies on clear thinking and well-planned vision to bring structures to life. Notable figures like Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, and Yasmeen Lari, the first female architect in Pakistan who designs affordable, climate-resistant homes, set an example of what women can achieve when given the opportunity to showcase their talent and knowledge.
Paving The Future
As an architect, the progressive thing about what the design can bring in the future has always been constant, and the focus has always been on the users. Designing a space safe for women to enhance social interaction, communal inclusion, which gives a sense of security. Being a woman in this field, we believe the designs and requirements of what women feel in the world can be brought to life through the involvement of women. So in order to make a space safe, valuable, and used by women the involvement of women architects is required to pave a safe future.
Digital Architecture
The world of digitalization is a new norm in every form and sector. The digital tools and systems are used rapidly, and the result of it is easier access, less time consumptions, and faster result. In the field of Architecture the use of digital modeling, 3d printing, and different technological equipment, the opportunities given to them are less as per the assumption to have less knowledge about gadgets and digital life. As technology continues to evolve, the role of female architects in shaping the future of design will only grow in importance. Through the teaching and learning process, it’s easier to make a world not only for women but for human beings to strive and thrive in every dimension and overcome barriers.
Inclusive Design
Inclusion ensures a building of diverse populations, including women, children, and marginalized groups. Many organizations are advocating for the factor and building a place that is accessible to everyone.
Meeting the Demands
With the growth and urbanization, women meet the demands and give back the reasons and resources that demand to solve a problem. Their work aligns with eco-friendliness and functionality, incorporating disaster-resilient features to mitigate the impact of natural calamities.
Hurdle in the Journey
Being a male-dominated field, the inclusion of a woman’s perspective is seen as stereotypical behaviour. Not all, but the outdated mindset of people is the main reason for undermining the contributions. As the values are quite less so women are given limited access to advanced software and modern labs, which is a continual barrier in the field of Architecture. The preconceived mindset of seeing women as less capable to do things outside the housework is what is a main hurdle in the life of woman architects. The societal expectations, lack of opportunities, and many seen and unseen barriers is what is stopping them from making a remarkable contribution to the field.
Despite the many challenges and outdated attitudes, women are breaking through barriers and making meaningful contributions to the field of architecture.
With the support of mentors and sponsors, many women have been able to excel and reshape the industry. By challenging gender biases and questioning unfair norms, they are setting an example for future generations. Through their work, women architects in Nepal are not only designing buildings but also creating a lasting legacy.
References:
- Laurabarrington (2023). Bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and maths. [online] Plan International Nepal. Available at: https://plan-international.org/nepal/blog/2023/09/20/bridging-gender-gap-science-technology-engineering-maths/.
- Mabe, M. (2025). Female Architects: Shaping the Future of Design and Innovation. [online] Melissa Mabe. Available at: https://melissamabe.com/the-rise-of-female-architects-shaping-the-future-of-design-and-innovation/ [Accessed 12 Aug. 2025].
- Mailen, B. (2025). Empowering Women in Architecture. [online] MAILENDESIGN. Available at: https://www.mailendesign.com/post/empowering-women-in-architecture [Accessed 13 Aug. 2025].
- Ncarb.org. (2024). NBTN 2024 Demographics. [online] Available at: https://www.ncarb.org/nbtn2024/demographics.
- TSAP (2025). She Builds: Stories of Women Architects Changing the Skyline. [online] TSAP Mumbai. Available at: https://www.tsapmumbai.in/blog/she-builds-stories-of-women-architects-changing-the-skyline/ [Accessed 17 Aug. 2025].
- wadeasia (2023). Wade Asia 2024. [online] Awards & Conferences for Women Architects, Interior Designers & Artist – WADE ASIA. Available at: https://www.wadeasia.com/10-inspiring-quotes-by-women-architects-and-designers/ [Accessed 14 Aug. 2025].
- Zero, V. (2025). Breaking Boundaries: Top 50 Women Architects Shaping the Future of Design. [online] Volzero.com. Available at: https://volzero.com/news/view/breaking-boundaries-top-50-women-architects-shaping-the-future-of-design [Accessed 14 Aug. 2025].
