South Africa’s cities were not designed with women in mind. From insufficient pavements and safe walking spaces to scarce public toilets and family facilities, the country’s cities do not factor in the needs of the women and children who use them.
So, how would our cities differ if they were designed by women?
We asked four professionals with strong influence in built urban environments what their city design would entail.
Gugu Sithole-Ngobese, founding chairperson of Women in Planning SA (WiPSA): The city I see my daughter living in is one where she has as many opportunities to be as successful as her brother – where her gender does not limit her, and she feels safe and supported by her neighbours and community. She should not have to think about the ways in which she is limited by the way her city is designed. She should see herself in her local policy makers, and she should know that they are making decisions on her behalf and in her best interests.
Read the full article on IOL
Author: Bonny Fourie
Recommended by Stephanie Cheung
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