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Jackie Genova, PhD student at STEaPP, invited to speak at UN Women Safe Cities Forum
20 February 2024
Jackie Genova, PhD student within UCL’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, invited to speak at the Sixth UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global Leaders’ Forum.
During a panel titled "Young Feminist Research and Action on Safe and Sustainable Cities," Jackie presented her research on reducing sexual harassment and violence against women on public transportation. Her presentation stressed the importance of incorporating insights from feminist research on equitable transport into the planning of future transit environments.
"A deeper interrogation is needed of how, and for whom, we are designing urban transport," remarked Jackie, highlighting the significance of considering diverse perspectives and addressing the specific needs of individuals with intersecting identities often overlooked in urban transport planning.
Jackie also emphasised how ensuring women's rights to move freely and safely in cities is indeed a significant aspect of both the New Urban Agenda and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By establishing inclusive and secure public transportation systems, cities can contribute to achieving Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 5: Gender Equality, among others.
The audience consisted of leaders from national governments, city mayors, UN and World Bank personnel, transport authorities, grassroots women and girls’ rights organisations, and other partners from global women’s safety networks. The forum provided a platform for delegates from over 20 countries to convene and exchange insights, analyse best practices, and share experiences in building safer and more inclusive cities for women and girls. Throughout the three-day event, participants explored innovative strategies to address the complex challenges associated with urban safety and the advancement of gender equality in public spaces.
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