Advancing the right to housing through self-build
“A house for all” is a promise made by the South African government, which has not yet been fulfilled. Annette May, of Isandla Institute, highlights this ongoing struggle and advocates for policy reform to address systemic challenges in housing delivery.
Vertical Gardens Combat Climate Change Within African Cities
Vertical gardens combat plastic pollution and urban heat, offering sustainable solutions for low-income areas. Olumuyiwa Adegun showcases two prototypes that have the potential to transform urban landscapes and prove sustainable housing does not need to be expensive or high-tech.
The Hum of Summer Nights – Women’s Experiences of Urban Heat
“Relentless heat makes outdoor activities a distant memory.” – Seven women recount what it’s like to manage their daily lives under conditions of extreme urban heat. By Marie Munzert, Lina Saleh Suleiman Abu Salim, and Emma Greer
Safeguards Against Physical and Mental Health: Just and Gendered Sanitation in Tanzania
Women in Tanzania often suffer from deplorable housing conditions including horrendous sanitation. Tatu Mtwangi Limbumba knows why and what to do about it.
How to Make Cities Safer Spaces for Everyone
Cities are not built for women. In Chennai, the Gender and Policy Lab works on transforming the cityscape as well as public transport into safer places based on gender-specific needs. By Meera Sundararajan
Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Localising Climate Action in Cities
Since COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, the role of cities and local governments in implementing climate and sustainability goals has come to the forefront. At the recently concluded United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 6) in Nairobi, the Cities Summit on February 23rd focused on localising climate action, Laura Puttkamer reports.