Based on a groundbreaking book, this episode explores how women navigate and claim space in cities often designed with male experiences predominantly in mind. We delve into profound themes of freedom, fear, and the intricate politics of gender embedded within our urban environments. Leslie Kern provides foundational insights from a leading voice in feminist urbanism, directly inspiring the Feminist Park's mission to challenge existing urban norms and create spaces where women and marginalized genders can truly claim their freedom and presence.
The City as a Constant Conversation
The city isn't a finished product; it's a dynamic, contested space in a constant state of becoming. It's a living dialogue where every street, bench, and building is a part of a larger conversation about who belongs and who doesn't. This constant remaking is a demand for something better, a call for us to actively shape our communities.
Reading Your City with a Feminist Lens
How can you participate in this conversation? Start by looking at your surroundings through a feminist lens. Ask yourself:
Who is this street designed for?
Whose body fits comfortably on this park bench or can easily navigate this transit stop?
Whose needs are met, and whose are ignored and made invisible?
The Power of Quiet Resistance
And as you look for what is missing, also look for the acts of quiet resistance and care already happening around you. The neighbors sharing childcare, the vibrant community gardens, the people looking out for one another. These actions may seem small, but they are powerful. They challenge the dominant narrative and build something different—a more just and caring world, one relationship at a time.
Source for Podcast Episode:
Book/Paper: Feminist City: Claiming Space in a Man-Made WorldAuthor: Leslie Kern
Intro/Outro Music: big-band-tv-show-logo-164230 Music by Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay
