While attending the 63rd Annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations this month, I was encouraged by the advancements women are making around the world towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300
This year’s CSW63 identified the priority themes of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. At the forefront of discussions was the agreement that women- 51 percent of the population- must be included in planning and decision-making when designing cities, infrastructure and sustainability. Many CSW63 sessions identified gender economic autonomy, political participation and social integration as key drivers of successful communities that promote women’s empowerment and the establishment of cities for all. http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw63-2019
Many developing countries reported that quotas have been established to assure that significant percentages of women are represented in electoral politics. The deputy minister of education of Afghanistan reported that women are finally being included in peace talks and are determined to maintain the advancements they have made over the past 18 years in any peace agreement that is presented. “We refuse to go back,” said Ms. Mateen, Grassroots women are using mapping tools to present precise data as to areas in their communities that require upgrading to ensure safe accessible use by women.
Cairo is using disaggregated mapping data and planning commissions that include women to determine women’s travel patterns and plan services that reduce sexual harassment and promote gender safety. A city that plans by, for and with women in mind is a safer city.
Grassroots women in Latin America use safety audits in cities like Guatemala City, Bogota and Santiago to redefine the design of cities to accommodate women-specific needs and address challenges they face in accessing basic services, safe and affordable public transportation and education.
In Kenya, where many women are rural farmers, community mapping is identifying challenges women face in getting their products to city markets. They are working in partnership with local authorities to improve transportation and eliminate sexual harassment and violence. They are also lobbying for safe sanitary facilities appropriate to the needs of women and girls in the market places.
Although much progress has been made, and women are achieving seats at the planning and decision-making tables, there is still much to achieve. Not all organizations collecting data in developing countries include information about gender, age, income, living conditions, etc. These data points are needed to effectively address community needs. Many countries are developing policy to curtail sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, but legal mechanisms to report occurrences and enforcement of these policies still lags. Overall, though, I am encouraged by the increased focus on and acceptance of the need to view urban planning, sustainability, and development from a gendered lens. Equally considering the needs of all is essential to progress.
Holt Transition Strategies 