In cities across the globe, a transformative shift is underway, led by female mayors who are reimagining urban spaces to prioritise people over cars. According to the United Nations, by mid-century, 68% of the global population will reside in urban areas, intensifying challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, and pollution. These issues are compounded by the climate emergency, which brings severe heatwaves, flooding, and other extreme weather events, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like children, women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
The Status Quo and Its Limitations
Traditionally, many cities have been designed around private vehicles, assuming widespread car ownership and use. This approach neglects those who cannot drive, leading to less safe and accessible streets for walking, cycling, or using mobility aids. The result is noisier, more congested environments that reduce street diversity and liveability. Conversely, cities like Delft in the Netherlands demonstrate a better balance, with vibrant public spaces where all residents, including children and older adults, can move freely and safely.
Overcoming Opposition with Empathy and Vision
Despite resistance from vested interests, a minority of elected officials, often women, are championing inclusive urban transformations. Drawing from their lived experiences as carers and historically overlooked in planning, these leaders understand that the status quo fails many. They practice empathy, present long-term visions, and build broad coalitions to drive change, though these qualities are not exclusive to any gender.
Case Studies of Success
In Barcelona, former mayor Ada Colau's administration reclaimed a million square metres of pedestrian space through initiatives like the "superblock," which converts asphalt into neighbourhood plazas. Over eight years, cycle lanes tripled to 273km, placing 90% of residents within 300 metres of a route. This led to 80 new hectares of green space, a 50% reduction in car traffic, and a 20% cut in air pollution between 2019 and 2023.
In Montréal, Canada, Valérie Plante, mayor from 2017 to 2025, implemented the most ambitious car-free scheme in the Americas, pedestrianising over 9km of commercial streets each summer and boosting local businesses. She also advanced the Réseau express vélo, a 191km protected cycling network, and introduced "sponge streets" to mitigate flooding with permeable surfaces.
In Paris, former mayor Anne Hidalgo transformed the capital by adding 1,000km of cycling routes, 350 of which are protected, and investing €250m in network growth. Her initiatives include 300 school streets, the removal of 70,000 parking spaces, and the planting of 145,000 trees and 45km of parks, despite initial criticism.
The Need for Gender Balance in Leadership
Currently, only 25 of the world's 300 largest cities have female mayors, with just 5% of municipal leadership roles and 10% of top urban planning positions held by women. This imbalance matters because leaders' decisions are shaped by their experiences; without diverse perspectives, issues like safety for women or accessibility for families may be overlooked. Cities with representative leadership are more likely to develop infrastructure that benefits everyone, enhancing public spaces and mobility for all residents.
