The European Conference on
Sustainability, Energy & the Environment 2014

Brighton, United Kingdom



Official Conference Proceedings

The European Conference on
Sustainability, Energy & the Environment 2014

Brighton, United Kingdom



Official Conference Proceedings

The European Conference on
Sustainability, Energy & the Environment 2014

Brighton, United Kingdom



Official Conference Proceedings

This study suggests a broad approach to enhance the social sustainability through
socially innovative and inclusive governance when humanizing the urban landscape.
This approach requires both “top-down” and “bottom-up” strategies. Socially
innovation and inclusive governance can be achieved when both genders are equally
included and appreciated in shaping the future landscape of their city, as residents,
planners and as decision makers. Consequently, their involvement will decrease the
impacts of the proposed development or action on the social dimension.

Inclusive governance modes should base on citizens' empowerment and participation
of all relevant stakeholders especially women, because there is increasing evidence
that women and men experience cities in different ways. However, if women policies
are put in a separate code it gives the impression to planners that woman issues are
other. Therefore, this study prefers a broad approach about planning for all, rather
than planning for women. Policies can never plan entirely separately for women or for
men, and it is a sign of polarization to imagine so. Inclusive practice is sensitive to
gender differences in using the city and consequently able to make more creative
choices that assumed to fit almost everyone.

Therefore, to achieve the real meaning of socially innovative and inclusive
governance, the needs and motivations for men and women should be equally
considered, and they have to participate through all design stages, as planners and as
users for the urban landscape.

Bushra Zalloom