Presentación de la revista Mujeres en el Desarrollo Urbano

Name: Presentación de la revista Mujeres en el Desarrollo Urbano
Uploaded: 2026-02-13T06:36:46.000Z
Duration: 4 h 36 min 16 s

Celebrating Women's Role in Urban Development

Introduction to the Magazine

The magazine "Mujeres en el desarrollo urbano" aims to recognize and strengthen women's essential roles in urban planning and transformation.

Emphasizes that when women design cities, they create opportunities, leading to more humane, equitable, and resilient urban spaces.

Launch Event Highlights

The event marks the official launch of the magazine with a focus on women's contributions to urban development.

Romy Rojas Garrido, President of the National Council for Urban Development, expresses gratitude for support from colleagues and highlights the importance of communication in shaping future urban landscapes.

Keynote by Sara Snap

Sara Snap introduces her organization, Cores, which focuses on making cities more people-centered through public spaces and accessibility initiatives.

She emphasizes a gender perspective in city design, advocating for considerations that reflect women's daily experiences as caregivers and community members.

Gender Perspective in Urban Design

Discusses how traditional city planning often overlooks the needs of women who juggle multiple responsibilities such as childcare and work. This necessitates a rethinking of mobility and housing designs.

Highlights two significant projects: a diploma program with UNAM and a biannual forum aimed at promoting opportunities for women in urban settings. These initiatives are designed to empower women through education and networking opportunities.

Importance of Documentation

The magazine serves as a platform for sharing experiences and expertise among women professionals in urbanism, aiming to document ongoing changes while projecting future aspirations for cities.

Encourages widespread dissemination of the magazine's content so decision-makers can consider these insights in their planning processes moving forward.

Women’s Role in Urban Development

Introduction to Women’s Contributions

The importance of recognizing women's roles in urban development is emphasized, highlighting the relevance of a publication that showcases these contributions.

Under President Claudia Sheinbaum's leadership, Mexico has initiated a transformative agenda focused on human rights and gender equality from day one of her administration.

Policy Implications for Gender Equality

Public policies aim not just for numerical parity but seek deep structural changes to eliminate inequality, ensuring active participation of women in shaping the future of Mexico.

The commitment includes creating just, safe, inclusive cities where women's knowledge and perspectives are recognized as essential drivers of development.

Key Elements Highlighted

1. Women's Protagonism in Urban Planning

Women play a crucial role in designing inclusive urban spaces by identifying historically overlooked needs through their experiences as workers and caregivers.

2. Innovative Contributions

Female professionals lead transformative initiatives across various sectors such as sustainable mobility and disaster risk management, integrating sustainability and social innovation into urban development proposals.

3. Commitment to Substantive Equality

There is an ongoing effort to strengthen gender perspectives within planning processes, ensuring women's participation in decision-making spaces while generating data to assess the impact of interventions on different territories.

Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks

Gratitude is expressed towards contributors involved in the publication, emphasizing its significance for knowledge construction regarding women's visibility in urban development fields. Continuous dialogue about advancements is encouraged for critical transformation within communities and cities.

Launch Event Highlights

Welcoming Remarks

Fernanda Lonardoni from UN-Habitat welcomes attendees at the launch event for the first edition of "Women in Urban Development," expressing joy at being part of this initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity within urban settings.

Recognition of Key Figures

Acknowledgment is given to Romy Rojas Garrido for her leadership and commitment toward transforming Mexican cities through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders including Cedatu representatives who advocate for community benefits through effective governance practices.

Importance of the Publication

The magazine serves as a declaration and political act reflecting power dynamics within cities; it highlights who can move freely versus those constrained by fear or invisible labor burdens associated with urban living conditions over centuries. This underscores the need for equitable city planning that addresses these disparities effectively.

Women in Urban Development: A Call for Inclusivity

The Role of Women in Urban Spaces

The design of urban spaces often reflects a historical bias, positioning women primarily within private spheres. Jane Jacobs is highlighted as an inspiring figure who challenged the dominant urban planning paradigms of her time.

Discussing gender in urban contexts encompasses various aspects such as mobility, housing, safety, and caregiving roles. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing who participates in planning versus those merely represented in statistics.

The magazine serves as a platform for women's voices to narrate their experiences and perspectives on urban life, asserting that women are not just subjects of public policy but active agents in planning and transformation.

Community Networks and Gender Inequality

Community networks led predominantly by women play a crucial role in sustaining neighborhoods; however, territorial inequality and gender disparity persist together.

Emphasizing that inclusive cities are not naturally occurring but must be intentionally planned with political will and data-driven approaches to ensure gender equality is integral to urban development.

Gender Justice as a Foundation for Sustainable Cities

The initiative "Mujeres en el desarrollo urbano" aims to foster critical thought around urban space planning while advocating for women's rights to envision these spaces.

As the Executive Director of ONUTA, there is an emphasis on aligning with campaigns that promote women's transformative roles in creating inclusive cities. This aligns with strategic plans focusing on gender equality and sustainable development from 2026 to 2029.

Empowering Women's Leadership

Ensuring that women and girls benefit from sustainable urbanization requires their active participation in city-building processes. There’s a shared responsibility to elevate female leadership across all sectors.

Planning urban spaces through a gender lens can lead to safer, more accessible cities that meet diverse needs. When women have decision-making power, solutions become more innovative and reflective of varied experiences.

Collaboration Towards Sustainable Goals

Global examples illustrate how inclusive decision-making leads to improved public safety and adequate housing solutions promoting dignity. In Mexico, similar efforts are deemed essential for progress towards sustainability goals.

A call is made for collective action supporting women's leadership at all levels globally while committing to fostering an inclusive urban culture where everyone has opportunities to thrive.

Conclusion: Launching the Discussion Panel

Following this introduction, the event transitions into a panel discussion featuring authors from the magazine "Mujeres en el desarrollo urbano," aimed at exploring topics covered during its development process.

Acknowledgments are given to contributors who shared their insights on future visions for cities despite some being unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

This structured summary encapsulates key discussions surrounding women's roles in urban development while emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration towards sustainable futures.

Discussion on Urban Development and Gender Perspectives

Importance of Sharing Experiences

The speaker emphasizes the need for discussions to extend beyond the room, aiming to create lasting memories and insights from the event.

Acknowledges the contributions of attendees, particularly students in formation, highlighting their role in shaping future perspectives.

Introduction of Panelists

The speaker introduces a special guest, Graciela, whose experience is deemed valuable for public decision-making discussions.

Panelists are encouraged to introduce themselves briefly before addressing questions to foster engagement and understanding among participants.

Encouraging Audience Participation

Attendees are invited to raise questions using post-it notes facilitated by staff members for organized interaction during the panel discussion.

The aim is to create an inclusive environment where all voices can contribute, not just those on stage.

Challenges in Integrating Gender Perspectives

Karina Erbisu discusses her background and experiences as a young woman in high-level decision-making roles within urban development. She highlights challenges faced due to age and gender biases.

Emphasizes that effective integration of gender perspectives into public policies requires comprehensive training and awareness among decision-makers about gender issues.

Need for Diverse Teams

Karina stresses the importance of having diverse teams that include various backgrounds (e.g., disabilities, indigenous communities) to broaden perspectives in urban planning decisions. This diversity helps avoid echo chambers where similar viewpoints dominate discussions.

She advocates for training programs that address unconscious biases and promote understanding of different feminisms, which can lead to more equitable policy outcomes in urban design.

Urban Planning and the Care Economy

Importance of Diverse Experiences in Urban Mobility

The experience of individuals arriving by car differs significantly from those using public transport or bicycles, highlighting the need for inclusive urban planning that considers all modes of transportation.

The Revolution of Care Work

Feminist urbanists and economists have long documented the disproportionate burden of care work on women, which is essential for sustaining life. This issue gained visibility during the pandemic, prompting discussions in political spheres globally.

Economic Value of Unpaid Care Work

According to UN recommendations post-Beijing Conference, unpaid care work's contribution to GDP is significant; in Mexico, it accounts for 24.3%, surpassing manufacturing sectors. This quantification helps frame care work within economic discussions.

Policy Implications for Urban Design

Effective policies are needed to create neighborhoods that support caregivers while recognizing that 75% of unpaid care work is performed by women in Mexico, often leading to double shifts and time poverty among them.

Challenges Faced by Women in Labor Markets

Women's caregiving responsibilities limit their access to formal job markets, forcing many into precarious employment without social security, perpetuating inequalities tied to urban design choices.

Concept of Proximity in Urban Planning

The idea of a "15-minute city," emphasizing proximity to essential services like schools and parks, aligns with feminist urbanist principles from previous decades advocating for accessible living environments that promote well-being and environmental responsibility.

Engaging Community Conversations

Plans are underway to foster ongoing dialogue through social media platforms and community groups beyond this discussion, encouraging broader participation in urban planning conversations.

Indicators for Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning

Questions arise regarding what indicators should be integrated into urban planning processes to ensure they are gender-sensitive and sustainable; decision-making transparency is crucial here as highlighted by Luis David's insights on participatory planning practices.

Urban Planning and Gender Perspective

Understanding Urban Spaces through a Gender Lens

The speaker, with a background in political science and urban sociology, emphasizes viewing cities as communities rather than just buildings. They advocate for assessing urban planning processes from a gender perspective rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

A critical question raised is about the participants involved in urban planning processes. The speaker stresses the importance of understanding who contributes to these processes, highlighting that participatory planning should start from identifying needs and stakeholders.

The discussion evolves into governance issues, noting that while participatory processes are widely recognized, actual participation often lacks diversity. Many workshops attract only specific demographics (e.g., older women), which does not reflect the broader community's voice. This raises concerns about inclusivity in urban design efforts.

The speaker argues for an analysis of governance to identify all actors influencing city transformation—not just decision-makers but also everyday contributors like caretakers of public spaces or children playing in parks—emphasizing their role in shaping the city environment.

To ensure diverse and participative urban planning with a gender perspective, it is essential to conduct stakeholder mapping at the outset of projects. This helps planners understand whom to invite and how to engage them effectively throughout the process.

Strategies for Inclusion in Male-Dominated Environments

In response to a question about strategies for creating space in traditionally male-dominated environments, the speaker shares their journey as a former president of an architectural federation and current vice president representing North America within a larger federation across the continent. They highlight their dual focus on professional practice and academia.

The speaker reflects on their approach: observing influential figures who hold decision-making power and analyzing their paths to success has been crucial for personal development and empowerment within their field. They encourage others to consider why they cannot occupy similar spaces themselves.

Emphasizing collaboration, they note that working with civil associations can enhance collective knowledge and action towards common goals while acknowledging that many roles within these organizations may be honorary rather than formal positions of power. This distinction influences how one engages with various stakeholders in urban contexts.

This structured summary captures key insights from discussions around gender perspectives in urban planning while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific parts of the transcript.

Collaboration and Networking in Urban Planning

The Importance of Intergenerational Collaboration

Emphasizes the value of collaborating with both young individuals and experienced professionals, highlighting that progress is not achieved in isolation.

Stresses the necessity of building and maintaining networks, advocating for mutual support where assistance is given and received reciprocally.

Strengthening Professional Alliances

Discusses the significance of forming alliances across various disciplines, which enhances collective strength and impact within communities.

Encourages a proactive approach to professional development, urging individuals to trust their intuition while seeking guidance when needed.

Active Participation in Various Spheres

Advocates for active engagement in different sectors—academic, governmental, or social—stressing that everyone has a role to play.

Highlights the need for patience amidst rapid societal changes, encouraging thoughtful decision-making while remaining open to new opportunities.

Skills for Future Urban Planners

Essential Skills Development

Introduces a discussion on necessary skills for future urban planners aimed at creating safer and more inclusive cities through effective planning.

Acknowledging Diverse Experiences

Recognizes the diverse backgrounds of panelists contributing valuable insights from public service to academic perspectives on civic participation.

Learning from Historical Figures

Shares personal experiences working alongside influential figures in urbanism, emphasizing the importance of breaking traditional molds and believing in oneself.

Navigating Complex Environments

Reflects on early career challenges faced as a young female leader in urban planning within male-dominated environments, underscoring resilience and adaptability.

Urban Planning and Gender Perspectives in City Development

Personal Journey in Urban Planning

The speaker shares her background in urban planning, highlighting her experience across various sectors including public space management and city administration.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding land ownership and utilization, noting that these topics were traditionally dominated by male discourse.

As the first female urban planner at INFED (the institute responsible for school construction), she faced skepticism about the role of urbanists in educational infrastructure.

The speaker advocates for considering external factors affecting schools, such as accessibility for parents and guardians, challenging conventional norms within her field.

She expresses pride in collaborating with diverse professionals like architects, engineers, geographers, and economists to create inclusive urban environments.

Insights on Inclusive Urban Development

The discussion transitions to the need for cities to be more inclusive and accessible, referencing concepts like "15-minute cities" while stressing practical implementation challenges.

The speaker encourages young professionals not to shy away from fieldwork or challenges, sharing personal experiences working in irregular settlements and remote areas.

She underscores the importance of taking initiative and making impactful decisions within urban planning contexts.

Addressing Gender Inequality through Urban Design

Acknowledging audience questions about gender roles in city design, a new speaker introduces herself as Laura Aranda Cortés, an architect focused on gender issues within architecture.

Laura highlights her extensive experience advocating for gender equity through organizations like AMAU (Mexican Association of Architects and Urban Planners).

Understanding Gender Constructs

Laura clarifies key concepts related to gender versus sex; emphasizing that gender is a sociocultural construct influenced by context.

She discusses the division of labor along gender lines under patriarchal systems where women are often relegated to caregiving roles considered nonproductive despite their significance.

The conversation touches on the need for shared responsibilities between genders to address inequalities inherent in traditional work divisions.

Closing Thoughts on Responsibility and Change

Emphasizing collective responsibility among families and communities is crucial for addressing care work disparities.

Urban Planning and Gender Equality in Care

The Role of Government and Market in Urban Spaces

Discussion on the importance of integrating government, market, and civil initiatives to create spaces for care within cities.

Emphasis on shared responsibilities in caregiving roles between men and women, advocating for inclusive participation in caring for people and spaces.

Accessibility and Mobility

Highlighting the need for universal accessibility as a primary principle to facilitate daily care activities, especially for the elderly.

Critique of inadequate sidewalk dimensions that hinder mobility; calls for better urban planning to ensure safe pedestrian pathways.

Urban Planning Strategies

Discussion on mixed-use urban planning as a means to reduce transportation needs, particularly noting how gender influences travel patterns.

Importance of designing sidewalks with proper dimensions and safety features to enhance overall quality of life.

Public Transport Accessibility

Need for efficient public transport systems with accessible stops near essential services like hospitals and schools.

Statistics indicating high rates of violence against women, stressing the link between housing security (ownership rights) and vulnerability to violence.

Housing Security and Women's Rights

Analysis of property ownership disparities where only 35% of property titles are held by women, increasing their risk of violence when not co-owning homes.

Advocacy for public policies aimed at ensuring women's ownership or co-ownership of housing as a protective measure against domestic violence.

Community Spaces and Social Fabric

The role of well-designed public parks in fostering community care among diverse age groups, enhancing social cohesion.

Key Concepts in Urban Development

Reflection on key concepts such as diversity, teamwork, boldness in action, plural participation, multisectoral observance, equitable redistribution—all crucial for effective urban planning.

Challenges Faced by Women in Decision-Making

Introduction to Gabriela's perspective on challenges faced by women in urban decision-making roles; emphasis on overcoming these barriers through experience sharing.

Innovative Planning Frameworks in Guanajuato

Overview of Urban Development Initiatives

Guanajuato is the first state in Mexico to integrate urban development and ecological planning into a single planning instrument.

León, as a municipality, leads with its innovative program, showcasing the state's commitment to comprehensive urban planning.

Gender Representation in Decision-Making

The speaker reflects on her experience as a young woman leading an institute amidst predominantly male leadership, highlighting the challenges faced by women in decision-making roles.

Despite being the only woman in many decision-making meetings, she felt empowered and continued to voice her opinions confidently.

Importance of Women's Participation

The speaker emphasizes the need for more women in professional spaces to foster their development and representation within governance structures.

She shares personal insights about balancing family life with professional responsibilities, advocating for support networks that enable women to thrive.

Call for Community Engagement

The speaker encourages students studying in Mexico City to return to their municipalities and contribute their skills locally, emphasizing the critical role of municipalities as first responders.

There is a pressing need for trained professionals who can address community issues effectively, especially in smaller municipalities where women's voices are often overlooked.

Challenges and Opportunities at Local Levels

Many small towns still face significant barriers regarding women's participation in community processes; thus, there is an urgent need for change.

The complexity of urban issues should not overshadow local needs; effective practices can emerge from smaller communities if adequately supported.

Vision for Future Governance

The concept of "15-minute cities" could be achievable even in smaller towns due to their manageable size and demographics favoring female populations.

With recent milestones like having a female governor after 200 years, there is potential for accelerated progress towards gender equity in governance.

Conclusion: Accelerating Change Through Local Action

Citizens demand faster implementation of planning processes; thus, it’s crucial to focus on local governance rather than solely metropolitan areas.

Acknowledging that over 2000 municipalities require attention highlights the necessity for sensitivity towards local contexts when addressing broader societal challenges.

Reflections on Empowerment and Support Among Women

The Importance of Perspective and Networking

A discussion begins about what advice could be given to young women starting their careers, emphasizing the need for a supportive network.

One speaker highlights the importance of recognizing privilege and advocating for women who may not have the same advantages.

The idea of working in networks is reinforced, suggesting that collaboration and support are crucial for personal growth.

Building Confidence and Seeking Guidance

A key takeaway is to ask questions as a means of building relationships and gaining knowledge, which was instilled by a mother’s advice.

Reflecting on past insecurities, one speaker emphasizes the need for self-confidence among women in their professional journeys.

Encouragement to seek mentorship from teachers or experienced professionals is highlighted as essential for development.

Embracing Enjoyment and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

A reminder to enjoy experiences rather than obsess over perfection; stressing that life should be appreciated in the moment.

The speaker shares personal experiences of stress during academic pursuits, underscoring the importance of balance between ambition and enjoyment.

Recognition of imposter syndrome among women is discussed, with an emphasis on acknowledging one's qualifications and capabilities.

The Role of Female Mentorship

Personal anecdotes illustrate how encouragement from other women can empower individuals to take significant career steps without self-doubt.

A pivotal moment occurs when a mentor challenges the notion that gender should dictate capability in leadership roles.

The significance of having female mentors at various stages in life is emphasized as vital for support and guidance.

Interdependence and Community Support

An important message emerges about interdependence; while striving for autonomy, it’s crucial to recognize our need for community support.

The concept of reciprocity in giving and receiving help within networks is presented as fundamental to personal growth and societal well-being.

Self-Acceptance and Gratitude

Reflection on self-pride encourages individuals to appreciate their origins while continuing to strive forward despite challenges faced along the way.

Gratitude towards those who have helped or hindered progress is acknowledged as part of personal development.

Embracing Our True Selves

Acceptance and Identity

The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting who we are, particularly as women, acknowledging that they often embody intensity, responsibility, and a desire to be involved.

They argue that platforms should be built on values and principles rather than superficial attributes like appearance or height.

Overcoming Fear of Visibility

The speaker reflects on personal experiences of feeling small or afraid to stand out, highlighting the societal pressures that can lead to self-doubt.

They express optimism about current times being unique opportunities for growth and change, suggesting that this moment in history is significant.

Encouragement for Authenticity

The speaker encourages individuals like Victoria to remain true to themselves and not retreat from their authentic selves.

They stress the value of honesty and responsibility in building commitments while recognizing the need for support from others.

Professional Responsibility

The speaker discusses their professional background as an architect and stresses the obligation to broaden professional perspectives within their field.

They advocate for taking responsibility at all life stages, encouraging everyone to become advocates regardless of their level of expertise.

Breaking Societal Norms

Reflecting on past decades, the speaker urges professionals not to fear breaking societal patterns regarding relationships and family structures.

They emphasize making decisions without regret, asserting that choices shape our lives significantly.

Intuition and Learning

The speaker highlights women's natural intuition in decision-making processes, expressing confidence in their judgment.

They share a personal anecdote about overcoming fears related to new tasks (like car verification), illustrating how facing challenges can lead to empowerment.

Importance of Continuous Learning

The speaker stresses the necessity of reading and staying informed amidst technological advancements like artificial intelligence.

They encourage ongoing education as essential for personal growth and professional development.

Understanding Perspectives and Personal Experiences

The Importance of Documentation and Continuous Learning

Emphasizes the need to understand different viewpoints in discussions, especially when information is rapidly changing.

Encourages individuals to dedicate time to reading daily, suggesting that reducing screen time can lead to personal growth.

Trusting Intuition and Ethical Considerations

Discusses the importance of trusting one's intuition while also adhering to ethical standards throughout one’s career.

Shares a personal reflection on feelings of guilt related to balancing professional responsibilities with family life.

Challenges Faced by Women in Professional Settings

Reflects on past challenges faced by women in decision-making roles, highlighting societal expectations and personal sacrifices made for career advancement.

Notes improvements over time regarding support for working mothers, contrasting past experiences with current opportunities available for women.

Achievements and Changes in Governance

Celebrates milestones achieved after 30 years in public service, including advancements made towards gender parity within government cabinets.

Highlights the significance of having a balanced cabinet for effective governance, marking it as a transformative step forward.

Closing Remarks and Future Engagement

Expresses gratitude for shared experiences among participants, emphasizing the human aspect of professional journeys.

Announces plans for continued dialogue through social media platforms, inviting broader participation from those unable to attend.