Creating Integrated and Safe Neighbourhoods for All Through International Peer Learning Exchange

For years cities have been planned and built for only half the population: Women’s needs are represented sparsely at most. The project “Dialogues for Urban Change” implements the approach of international peer learning to create safe public spaces for everyone.

The design of a public space can either improve or interfere with usage, appropriation, and safety for vulnerable groups. The World Bank states: “With women occupying just 10 per cent of the highest-ranking jobs at the world’s leading architecture firms, cities have historically been planned and designed to reflect traditional gender roles and gendered division of labour. As a result, cities work better for men than they do for women.”

Hence, inclusive development, access, and usage of public space require a focus on gender-responsive planning. Moving from gender-negative to gender-aware and ultimately to gender-transformative approaches is crucial to strengthen equity and equality within the built environment.

However, this can only be achieved if we collaborate and learn from each other. The GIZ project “Dialogues for Urban Change“ (D4UC) promotes international peer learning exchanges between South Africa and Germany to work towards safer public spaces for all.

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