Gender Dialogues: The Road To Equality (16/3/21)
Why is infrastructure key to gender equality?
Panelists
- Dr Nihan Akyelken, Associate
Professor Sustainable Urban Development, University of Oxford
- Ms Grete Faremo, UN
Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director
- Ms Doreen Malambo,
Assistant Superintendent, UNPOL Gender Advisor for UNMISS
- Ms Nichola Mallon, MLA
Minister for Infrastructure for the Northern Ireland Executive
As always, the #CSW challenges us as attendees to see the world (as we
think we know it) through different eyes. Today I joined a session that
approached infrastructure through a gendered experience.
I never thought about how our world is designed by men for men,
obviously during the pandemic there were female keyworkers on the frontline who
were highlighting that the proportions for PPE are inappropriate for women. The
sizes are 'wrong', they don't fit female sizes. We all saw the pictures of
bruised faces from masks and googles, the double tied aprons and the lack of size
mediums.
How is it still acceptable that we are still living in a 'Man's World'?
From the provision of transport, roads, street lighting, access to water
and even the number of toilets.
As a teacher, it has always been accepted that there were never enough
female toilets in the school, every school I have been in. Whether this was
primary or secondary, there is just never enough. Never is this more
noticeable than during break time, when you have limited time to grab a drink,
often need a 'quick chat' with a student or colleague and then find a queue at
the toilets. I know I have looked in envy at male colleagues managing to
squeeze it all in and be 'in and out' of the loo while I am still waiting.
How has that been allowed to happen? In the UK, women make up 3/4th of
the teaching profession yet there are never enough toilets for women. I have
been many primary school toilets where the male toilets are kept for men, while
women are using the accessible toilets as well - even when there is only 1 male
member of staff.
The discussion was eye opening because it became clear, that as long as
men dominate the industries such as civil engineering, architecture,
manufacturing and most crucially, decision making this is the issue. Without
creating space for the female voice or gender equality in those
industries, then we will continue to live in a world where women are
expected to adapt to the way it has always been.
A question was asked, instead of increased gendered spaces, shouldn't we
be demanded more gender neutral spaces? And again we are made to think. Toilets
are often a battle field because they represent a space of privacy but they
also create a gateway for inclusion. Provision of toilets in schools and
workplaces mean that women and girls are a recognised presence. But an argument
could be made, that gendered toilets don't have to be the only 'option'. Yes
privacy is needed, but we are used to gender neutral toilets - many of us have
them in our homes.
Of course toilets are more than places of personal hygiene; they are
often a space for emotional support, sharing of advice, a place to cry. They
are often scenes of crucial moments such as a first period, pregnancy needs,
managing menopause or sadly, miscarriages. Toilets are so much more than
toilets, which is why women need to be more than considered in the design and
provision.
Away from toilets, there is also the need to consider
transportation. Women and girls are more likely to be reliant on
non-motorised transport. So when transit routes are being approved, reduced or
removed all together, as a community we must be conscious of who that impacts.
In the school context, how will our girls get to school or get involved in extracurricular
activities if they can't get home? We also need to ask, if they are
expected to walk to a bus or train stop, how 'safe' is that route for them?
It's not about street lights, but also about what other buildings or amenities
are on that route.
Mass transportation routes are crucial to the engagement and development
of women and girls as fully included members of our society. The questions we
ask of schools, also apply to women in the workplace. It was reported that 3 in
5 women are harassed on public transport. If that is happening on the way to
and from work, what impact does that have on attendance, ability to concentrate,
perform to the best of your ability. What are employers doing to ensure that it
is safe for women to get to and from work? How can employers be engaging with
public consultations, encouraging women (who often are over looked) to ensure
their voices are heard. What is the role of trade unions in the issue of
infrastructure? Do we need to lead campaigns for a gendered approach to
infrastructure?
We must ensure girls and women have access to opportunities but what about
the basic practical steps to get us there? Until women are engaged and are in
the room, are considered or consulted, we will continue to actually live in a
physically 'man's world'.
Gendered Dialogues: The Road to Equality (Streamed Panel)
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