Women have historically been excluded from city building. And there are still significant gender gaps and inequalities – particularly for diverse women.
Today, Women Transforming Cities International Society is extremely excited to announce the re-launch of The Women Friendly Cities Challenge—a living library of Wise Practices from around the world that help make cities more women friendly. The idea was born at the United Nations Habitat III conference in October 2016, and originally launched at the World Urban Forum in February 2018.
What is a women friendly city?
Simply put, a women friendly city is a city where women, girls and gender oppressed people are able to thrive and live full, safe and meaningful lives, including Indigenous, Black, and all racialized and marginalized women and girls. This requires equitable access to services including housing, education, justice and medical treatment, participation in decision making and leadership, and for women and girls to be free from violence in the home and in public spaces.
Why is it important to build women friendly cities?
Today, just over half the world’s people live in urban areas. But modern cities are designed by men and for men, shaping the environment around us to suit men as the default body. By using a gendered intersectional lens to examine all urban issues, we can work towards building women-friendly cities and their positive impacts on women’s access to jobs or schools, on freedoms and safety, health and agency.
The Women Friendly Cities Challenge envisions a future where cities are inclusive to all.
On the Women Friendly Cities Challenge, you'll be able to:
Explore Wise Practices: With this international library, we want to share knowledge, inspire innovation, improve networking and collaboration, and challenge ourselves to make cities equitable, inclusive, sustainable and thriving for all.
Submit Wise Practices: We welcome submissions from all sectors: Governments, civil society and grassroots organizations, the private sector, academia, and beyond. Show the world how you are making your city women friendly!
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