Bridging the Gap: Safe Cities for Women & Girls in Africa
A high-level gathering in Zanzibar, bringing together over 150 leaders and experts from 21 countries, has shone a spotlight on the crucial need for safer public spaces for women and girls across Africa. The Seventh Biennial UN Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global Leaders’ Forum, held in August 2024, marked a significant step toward translating global commitments into tangible local action.
The forum, hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex issue of gender-based violence and insecurity. Participants, representing local and national governments, grassroots organizations, academia, women's rights groups, and the private sector, emphasized the critical role of collaboration in fostering safe cities.
This wasn't simply a talk-fest; the forum aimed to drive practical change. Discussions centered on understanding and adapting international agreements like the Beijing+30 Action Agenda to local contexts, recognizing that a "one-size-fits-all" approach would not suffice. The focus was placed on localized solutions, tailored to specific sectors like tourism, markets, agriculture, and transportation—areas where women face unique vulnerabilities. The forum also tackled systemic issues, highlighting legal and policy gaps surrounding sexual harassment and violence against women.
The forum’s call extended beyond immediate safety measures. The importance of leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and enacting meaningful policy changes was highlighted. Discussions addressed the roles of local governments, police, and the vital contribution of civil society in creating safe, smart, and sustainable cities. The gathering recognized that safety for women and girls is intrinsically linked to broader societal development and empowerment.
The Zanzibar President, H.E. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, underscored the commitment to making public spaces safe, accessible, and sustainable for all, particularly marginalized communities. His emphasis on the ripple effect of safety—increased voice, choice, and resilience—demonstrated the political will to support a safer future for women and girls in Africa.
The forum's success lies not just in the commitments made, but in the foundation it lays for future action. By bringing together a diverse range of voices and expertise, the event established a blueprint for collaborative efforts aimed at creating safer, more inclusive public spaces across the continent. The next steps will involve translating these commitments into concrete action plans, supported by ongoing dialogue and collaboration at the local level. This significant milestone marks a turning point in the fight for gender equality and safety in Africa, underscoring the critical link between creating safe public spaces and achieving sustainable development for all.
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