towards (a destination); for the purpose of; targeting (a group)
A compound particle used after nouns to indicate direction, goal, or intended audience. Often used in formal or written contexts.
See also: 向ける
A highway was built towards the new airport.
来年のオリンピックに向けて選手たちは練習を続けている。
The athletes are continuing their training for next year's Olympics.
This product was developed targeting young women.
向け is a noun suffix meaning 'intended for' (as in product descriptions), while に向けて is a more verbal phrase expressing direction or purpose.
に対して marks the target of an action or attitude, often with a nuance of contrast or opposition, whereas に向けて emphasizes direction or a goal being aimed at.
Compound of particle に, the continuative form 向け of verb 向ける (to turn towards), and particle て. Literally 'turning towards and...', it grammaticalized into a compound particle.