Over the past five years, the UK has seen concerted national action to recognise how the urban design, planning and the broader built environment sector shapes women, girls and non-binary people’s sense of safety and belonging in public spaces.

This work has been largely driven by passionate individuals and community groups, often operating with limited funding and volunteer support. Despite these challenges, they have successfully raised awareness and implemented practical changes to projects at a local level.

On 26th March, Publica CIC, in collaboration with The Crown Estate, Collective Architecture and UCL Urban Lab hosted a national conversation to discuss the future of feminist urbanism in the UK. The event brought together nearly 90 participants from across the country and beyond, demonstrating the overwhelming enthusiasm for collective action towards gender inclusive cities.

The conversation marked the beginning of a national effort to strengthen and up-scale the impact of gender-inclusive urbanism, by:

• Learning from existing policy, advocacy and practical project approaches adopted across the UK to include women’s safety concerns in urban development projects
• Identifying common challenges and needs that might be addressed at a national level, and identify routes to more national investment
• Building a community of people across the UK who are committed to advancing this work - so that we feel supported in this work together

This first national gathering identified key challenges and exciting opportunities for collective action. By working together, it is possible to create equitable, inclusive and joyful cities that reflect and support diverse experiences.