Publica work with the Louisville Metro Government Office for Women and CHANGE on gender equity in urban design in Louisville
November 2024
Publica and representatives from CHANGE city network recently immersed themselves in the fantastic city of Louisville, Kentucky to deliver a week of engaging workshops, training, neighbourhood walks and site visits, with the local community, working alongside the Louisville Metro Government Office for Women (OFW).
The initiative explores how design in the built environment can make cities safer, more usable and more welcoming to women, girls, gender diverse people and caregivers, empowering them to feel confident in their voices and to engage with their city. Louisville is the first phase of Publica and CHANGE’s international collaborative project, “Gender Based Violence in Public Space: Developing an Evidence-Base and Action Plan with Three Cities.” The project is a catalyst to sparking change, travelling from Louisville, USA, to Bogota, Colombia and Stockholm, Sweden, in 2025.
The city was bursting with energy, and the Publica team witnessed the powerful impact starting a conversation on women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety in the public realm had on the local community. The support from residents and local organisations was remarkable – and more and more people are eager to join the conversation, united in Louisville to make positive change.
“I am so proud to be taking our inclusive cities programme global. We have been able to use our engagement methodologies and expertise to sheperd a much-needed conversation in Louisville, as well as to learn from and be inspired by the local talent, community organising, and their hope for change. As we look towards delivering similar work in Bogota and Stockholm it is clear this is just the beginning for Publica in being part of a global story of urban transitions that centre the needs and experiences of women, girls and gender diverse people.” -Ellie Cosgrave
During the visit, Publica met with civic leaders and government officials, including Louisville’s Mayor Greenburg, Deputy Mayors David James and Nicole George, and Councillors Shameka Parrish-Wright, and Ben Reno-Weber to discuss gender equity in urban design. It was vital throughout this trip for the team to drive meaningful change across all levels of the Louisville community, demonstrating the importance of inclusive dialogue.
Now Publica will create a report for Louisville Metro Government detailing actionable steps to incorporate gender equity in planning, and the opportunities in Louisville to support this.
Publica is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help drive positive change ahead for all members of the Louisville community, and support OFW’s impactful work. We all deserve spaces that are safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming. Thank you to Gretchen Hunt, the incredible people of Louisville for welcoming us into your community, and Mayor Greenburg and all the fantastic civic and community leaders.
Coverage of the project on WLKY News
Project ⋅ November 2024
See more
Publica work with the Louisville Metro Government Office for Women and CHANGE on gender equity in urban design in Louisville
November 2024
Publica and representatives from CHANGE city network recently immersed themselves in the fantastic city of Louisville, Kentucky to deliver a week of engaging workshops, training, neighbourhood walks and site visits, with the local community, working alongside the Louisville Metro Government Office for Women (OFW).
The initiative explores how design in the built environment can make cities safer, more usable and more welcoming to women, girls, gender diverse people and caregivers, empowering them to feel confident in their voices and to engage with their city. Louisville is the first phase of Publica and CHANGE’s international collaborative project, “Gender Based Violence in Public Space: Developing an Evidence-Base and Action Plan with Three Cities.” The project is a catalyst to sparking change, travelling from Louisville, USA, to Bogota, Colombia and Stockholm, Sweden, in 2025.
The city was bursting with energy, and the Publica team witnessed the powerful impact starting a conversation on women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety in the public realm had on the local community. The support from residents and local organisations was remarkable – and more and more people are eager to join the conversation, united in Louisville to make positive change.
“I am so proud to be taking our inclusive cities programme global. We have been able to use our engagement methodologies and expertise to sheperd a much-needed conversation in Louisville, as well as to learn from and be inspired by the local talent, community organising, and their hope for change. As we look towards delivering similar work in Bogota and Stockholm it is clear this is just the beginning for Publica in being part of a global story of urban transitions that centre the needs and experiences of women, girls and gender diverse people.” -Ellie Cosgrave
During the visit, Publica met with civic leaders and government officials, including Louisville’s Mayor Greenburg, Deputy Mayors David James and Nicole George, and Councillors Shameka Parrish-Wright, and Ben Reno-Weber to discuss gender equity in urban design. It was vital throughout this trip for the team to drive meaningful change across all levels of the Louisville community, demonstrating the importance of inclusive dialogue.
Now Publica will create a report for Louisville Metro Government detailing actionable steps to incorporate gender equity in planning, and the opportunities in Louisville to support this.
Publica is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help drive positive change ahead for all members of the Louisville community, and support OFW’s impactful work. We all deserve spaces that are safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming. Thank you to Gretchen Hunt, the incredible people of Louisville for welcoming us into your community, and Mayor Greenburg and all the fantastic civic and community leaders.
Coverage of the project on WLKY News
Project ⋅ November 2024
See more