We’re celebrating the impact of diverse leadership and inclusive engagement on our environmental regeneration projects.
Heather Claridge, co-chair of our Board, emphasises the importance of diverse leadership from Board to community level. She says, “Environmental action is about people as much as places. When women’s voices are represented in leadership and decision-making, projects are more inclusive, more resilient and better rooted in the realities of everyday life. At Green Action Trust, we’re committed to creating space for diverse leadership – not just on our Board, but across the communities we work with.”
This aligns well with global movements to support more gender-sensitive planning and design. In the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) area, Glasgow City Council is taking this forward through their ambition of making Glasgow a feminist city. We’re pleased to be able to work with the Council on projects which are helping them achieve this. A feminist city is one which is inclusive, safe, and equitable, addressing the unique challenges women can face in urban settings. Key principle include: gender-sensitive/inclusive urban design; safer, greener neighbourhoods; and community engagement and participatory planning.
Inclusivity at Cadder Woods
One of the projects we’re working with Glasgow City Council on is at Cadder Woods on the northern outskirts of Glasgow – pictured above before we started our works. The site is classified as derelict on the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey and was full of rubbish and burnt out cars. We’ve been engaging with the local community from the start of the project to ensure all residents had the chance to tell us what they needed from the site. Inclusive access was one of their priorities. The project has improved access through, for example, clearing vegetation and resurfacing paths.
Funding has come through the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, Paths for All and Sustrans Places for Everyone.
We look forward to sharing more about this project once works have been completed in the spring.
Fiorella, one of our Development Officers, says, “We take great pride in designing and delivering inclusive and accessible events to enable all members of the community to fully engage and have their say. We believe in the importance of including often under-engaged groups such as young mothers and the elderly to ensure everyone has access to safe greenspaces.”
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness about discrimination and works towards gender parity.