IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section B

Abstract

Historically, public spaces in South Africa have not adequately addressed the safety and inclusivity of women and girls. This is particularly prevalent in townships where intersecting identities, such as gender, race, and socio-economic status, compound vulnerabilities. Local crime statistics reveal that public areas are primary sites for violent crimes such as grievous bodily harm and sexual assault, disproportionately affecting women, especially those from marginalised communities. Against this backdrop, the Girls Make the City (GMTC) project was established to leverage architecture and urban planning to co-create safer and more inclusive public spaces – in collaboration with local communities. This project focuses on participatory and on-the-ground research methods to ensure community-driven solutions. The research phase includes site visits, stakeholder consultations, and immersive reflective sessions involving students from Fontys University, city officials, and Langa Township community members. These activities aim to uncover lived experiences and local spatial dynamics that inform effective intervention strategies. Results highlight the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, blending architectural and urban planning approaches with grassroots insights. Partnerships such as Project Playground South Africa amplify the initiative’s scope by integrating creative and educational opportunities for the youth. Co-design methodologies prioritise the perspectives of girls and their communities, fostering sustainable and context-sensitive outcomes. In the future, the GMTC initiative underscores the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive strategies in urban planning and design practices to empower women and girls. This approach not only reclaims public spaces but also drives equitable urban transformation.