this is turn allows us to probe deeper into questions of why there are differences and if design can support or hinder gender equity although there is a dearth of literature and research in this area studies do indicate that gender structures are embedded in the built environment quantitative and qualitative research methods should be used to collect data on how and why men and women use space differently and to further explore how gender relates to issues of sustainable development health safety and access to successfully mainstream gender issues in any public policy area requires longterm policy planning commitment time and resources this is no less important in the context of educational facilities