The “Building Feminist Cities” series has been a powerful initiative aimed at transforming transportation systems to ensure fairness and inclusivity for everyone, especially women and marginalized groups who often face significant challenges in urban spaces. Women Mobilize Women (WMW), an integral part of the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (BMZ) flagship initiative on gender equity in transport, organized this event series to empower women as both workers and users of mobility systems. WMW believes that a city’s transport system is the backbone of an equal society and must transition from a barrier to an enabler. A feminist transport system is not just about designing for women—it is about designing for the widest range of users, ensuring accessibility for all. With the principle that “if you design for women and girls, you design for everyone,” the series traveled to Delhi, Manila, Brasília, and Nairobi, fostering dialogue and action for safer, more inclusive cities.
Delhi: Where It All Began
The journey began in October 2023 in Delhi, India, where WMW and Safetipin co-hosted the inaugural workshop. Over 70 participants, including feminist thinkers, government officials, and civil society representatives, gathered to explore the intersection of gender and mobility. The workshop highlighted the challenges faced by marginalized groups in navigating urban spaces, from caregiving burdens to issues of safety and accessibility. Participants called for a shift in urban planning to prioritize pedestrians and public transport over cars, setting the stage for future events.
Notable sessions included “Women Who Move the World,” featuring female transport workers who shared insights on advocating for safer workspaces and equitable policies. Naomi Mwaura, founder of the Flone Initiative, encapsulated the workshop’s ethos: “Crafting equitable transport systems that cater to the unique needs and challenges faced by women is not only a matter of justice but a gateway to economic growth, social inclusion, and overall well-being.”
Manila: Exploring Intersectionality
In May 2024, the series traveled to Manila, Philippines, as part of the Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum (APTF). Collaborating with NDC-TIA and Women on the Move Asia, WMW hosted panels and workshops focusing on inclusivity in urban mobility. A key highlight was the panel discussion “Building Feminist Cities: Looking at the Intersections of Inclusivity.” Experts like Ines Sanchez de Madariaga and Vanesha Manuturi emphasized the importance of gender analysis and participatory urban planning.
Following the panel, participants embarked on a “Jane’s Walk,” a 2.1-kilometer exploration of the city’s pedestrian infrastructure. This interactive experience shed light on the challenges of navigating urban spaces, from obstructive lamp posts to safety concerns after dark. AI-generated images reimagined these spaces through a feminist lens, sparking discussions about what an inclusive city could look like.
Brasília: A Latin American Perspective
In August 2024, Brasília hosted the third workshop, organized by WMW in collaboration with ITDP Brazil and local NGOs, bringing a Latin American perspective to the series. This event emphasized the importance of addressing intersectionality in mobility and highlighted how gender-responsive policies can transform urban spaces. Sessions featured speakers such as Paola Tapia Salas, who discussed Chile’s nighttime stops for women, and Cyntia Carvalho e Silva, who presented alarming statistics on violence against women in Brazil, emphasizing the urgent need for safer public spaces.
The workshop included interactive activities, such as the “Aquarium” dynamic, allowing participants to share personal experiences and co-create solutions. Discussions also focused on integrating caregiving work into transportation planning and increasing female participation in public transport operations. The event culminated in actionable commitments, including the launch of Brazil’s first network dedicated to feminist cities and transport, as well as plans to implement caregiving-friendly transport policies and safety audits across urban centers.
Key partners such as the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and ITDP Brazil contributed to the event’s success, underscoring the importance of collaborative action in fostering gender-responsive urban planning.
Nairobi: Advancing Feminist Mobility in Africa
The series culminated in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Women and Transport Africa Conference in December 2024. This event, themed “Africa for All: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Everyone,” marked a decade of progress for the Flone Initiative. Over 420 participants gathered to address challenges in fostering equitable transport systems.
Key sessions included a keynote by Senator Crystal Asige, emphasizing legislative advocacy for universal accessibility. Panels explored e-mobility innovations like Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the Women in E-Mobility Network, which empowers women through training and mentorship. Workshops also tackled gender-based violence in public transport, highlighting the SHECAN framework and its role in policy improvements.
The conference concluded with commitments to enhance data collection, invest in accessible infrastructure, and expand training programs for women and marginalized groups. Key partners, including UNEP, GIZ, and local SACCOs, played a pivotal role in driving these initiatives forward.
A Global Movement for Feminist Mobility
The “Building Feminist Cities” series is more than just a set of events—it’s the start of a movement. WMW is building a global community of people committed to making cities fair and safe for everyone. A new digital network, the Global Alliance for Feminist Transport, will help people stay connected and keep this important work going.
The message is clear: We can build cities that are safe, fair, and sustainable. By putting women and marginalized groups at the center of urban planning, we create better systems for everyone.
Stay Engaged
Join us in this movement. Explore our resources and upcoming events on Building Feminist Cities and Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative. Together, let’s continue to shape cities that work for everyone.