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2B. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
10 Mulier Instituut; SWUP (2018), co-financed by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the EU, Toward gender equity in urban outdoor sport spaces , available at: http://www.swup-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/3-Towards_ gender_equity_in_European_outdoor_sports.pdf
11 Mulier Instituut; SWUP (2018), idem, page 28.
Getting women into governance structures is crucial. But before and even when parity is achieved, there is still much that can be done. Local politicians have a responsibility to represent the interests and experiences of all residents by involving and listening to different groups through, for example, women s advisory boards, commissions,
councils and consultations that are open to the needs and opinions of women and girls in the city. Thought needs to be given to the location, culture, language, timing and design of these participatory activities to be inclusive and welcoming to women or girls, including those with additional needs, such as caring responsibilities or lack of confidence.
Consultation to increase women s presence in public sports spaces [Râmnicu Sārat, Romania]
The Sports for Women in Urban Places (SWUP) has been working in partnership with the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) to highlight why women may feel uncomfortable using public sports facilities and take action to make these
spaces more inclusive. By undertaking a comprehensive review10 in multiple cities across Europe, using quantitative data as well as focus groups and interviews, they exposed a disproportionate use of sports facilities by men, leading to poorer life quality and increased health problems among women. However, in Râmnicu Sārat, participatory interviews with women revealed easy and inexpensive measures to take to improve the situation11: Advertising or informing women through networks they use, including social media. Using images of women to advertise the facilities, so that they can project themselves
in the space. Sharing encouraging slogans and messages suggesting sports are not just for men. Building equipment to meet all sports and fitness needs (bikes, stepper machines,
and weight-lifting equipment). Women-only times to help them feel more comfortable. Taking into account that women have different health needs and may need to bring
children with them. These measures demonstrate that often it is as simple as consulting women about their needs, wants and interests in the city with women-only and women-friendly participation processes.
[ CALL TO ACTION ] Do you want to build capacity for advocacy and support of Women s Rights in Europe in your municipality? Check out the Channelling Resources into Women s Rights project led by the European Women s Lobby. You can find resources for advocacy, raising awareness and a complete toolkit for getting started.
Case Study
© ALDA (2019)
