GIRLS MAKE THE CITY (GMTC)

Voices of Change’ where empowerment meets urban transformation.

#girlsmakethecity #wetopia #OpenDesignAfrika

OUR WHY

The Girls Make the City (GMTC) project is a vital initiative addressing the pressing issue of safety for girls in public spaces in South Africa. Local crime statistics reveal that public places are the primary locations for both contact and rape crimes, with assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) being the highest form, predominantly affecting females.

Young girls often fall victim to physical and sexual violence, leading to enduring consequences emotionally and psychologically. GMTC focuses on empowering girls aged 16-25 to actively shape safety in public spaces. Historical data, such as the prevalence of rape victims under 18, informs our targeted age group.

In summary, GMTC in Cape Town addresses a critical gap in ensuring the safety and empowerment of girls in public spaces, aligning with both local statistics and the urgent need for a gender-sensitive approach to city planning. Our team, comprised of five female social impact entrepreneurs, conducted extensive research revealing a lack of gender-sensitive perspectives in city planning and design. This oversight contributes to gender-based violence, particularly in communities with limited resources. GMTC aims to provide a platform for girls to express, reimagine, and reclaim public spaces, fostering a sense of safety aligned with their current and future vision.

OUR THREE WETOPIA SUPERPOWERS

Power of US: Bringing together a diverse group of girls to create alliances based on shared experiences, empowering them to be advocates and change-makers in their own communities.

Power of PLACE: Generating discussions on urban planning with the input of young girls, focusing on Langa as a starting point.

Power of DOING: Proposing concrete interventions and temporary installations for sustainable, long-term improvements.

A REGENERATIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

At Wetopia, we approach the Girls Make the City (GMTC) project through the lens of regenerative development frameworks. This involves a comprehensive exploration of the project’s foundation, objectives, purpose, and tools. Regenerative development, particularly in the context of GMTC, goes beyond sustaining a delicate equilibrium. It involves harnessing the potential that arises from challenges and transforming our roles as designers, planners, builders, and engaged citizens. In essence, regenerative development is about navigating an increasingly unpredictable world and empowering the places we inhabit to not merely survive but to thrive. It is a paradigm that seeks to understand and leverage the inherent potential within crises for positive transformation.

Our focus extends beyond the immediate objectives of GMTC to embrace the proximate whole—

Langa. This holistic approach recognises the value that Langa adds to the project and the larger community, especially in the context of public spaces for girls. By delving into the ground, goals, vocation, and instruments of GMTC, we aim to create a regenerative impact that transcends mere sustainability.

For more insights, visit the Wetopia Blog

MEET OUR CAPE TOWN TEAM

Our ‘Girls Make the City’ team is a collaborative effort of the following five passionate female social impact entrepreneurs:

Ellen Fischat: Co-Founder Inspiring African Women (NPC)

Suné Stassen: Co-Founder & CEO of Open Design Afrika (NPC)

Nthakoana Maema: CEO of Oribi Incubator

Joke Quintens: Founder of Wetopia & ‘Girls Make the City’

Tiisetso Mofokeng: Architect and Urban Designer, Lecturer at VEGA

Above from left to right: Ellen, Suné, Nthaks, Joke and Tiisetso