Photo gallery inclusive city

Invisible boundaries

Despite rapid urbanization, informal settlements remain a reality for over 1 billion people globally (UN-Habitat, 2022). These marginalized communities often face social exclusion, limited access to basic services, and insecure housing conditions. Cities like Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, and Nairobi struggle with growing slums where residents live without proper sanitation, healthcare, or educational opportunities (World Bank, 2023). This systemic exclusion perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, making it nearly impossible for families to break free from intergenerational deprivation (OECD, 2021).

The other side of the fence

Social segregation persists in major cities worldwide, with affluent neighborhoods bordered by impoverished areas, reinforcing social contempt and exclusion. Research shows that urban inequality has worsened, especially in metropolises like New York, Paris, and Cape Town, where the gap between rich and poor has widened since 2020 (UN-Habitat, 2021). The lack of access to quality public spaces, healthcare, and education in disadvantaged neighborhoods deepens the divide, challenging the idea of cities as inclusive spaces for all residents (OECD, 2023).

Cities worldwide, from Caracas to Johannesburg, grapple with the reality of homelessness. As of 2023, over 150 million people are homeless globally, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation (UN-Habitat, 2022). Many face the dual burden of social stigma and inadequate social safety nets, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and human rights violations. Governments struggle to implement sustainable housing policies, particularly as rising inflation and gentrification continue to push low-income residents out of affordable housing options (World Bank, 2023).

Forgotten footsteps

Polluted promises

Air pollution remains a pervasive threat to urban health, especially in cities across Asia and Africa, where industrialization and vehicle emissions contribute to deteriorating air quality. In Delhi, Mexico City, and Lagos, millions are exposed to hazardous air, with severe implications for respiratory health, particularly among children and the elderly (WHO, 2022). Research indicates that marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, living closer to pollution sources and lacking the means to relocate, thus facing higher health risks (UNEP, 2023).

Erased voices

LGBTI+ communities continue to face exclusion and discrimination in cities that should serve as inclusive spaces. Despite legal progress in many countries, hate crimes and social prejudice have increased since 2020 (Human Rights Watch, 2022). In regions such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa, LGBTI+ individuals are often denied equal access to healthcare, employment, and housing due to systemic biases, leaving them vulnerable and socially marginalized (Amnesty International, 2023). Such exclusion underscores the struggle for human rights in urban contexts.

Gender inequality remains a persistent barrier to achieving inclusive cities. Women and girls, especially in developing countries, are disproportionately affected by lack of safety in public spaces and limited access to economic opportunities (UN Women, 2023). In cities like São Paulo, Nairobi, and Karachi, women face harassment and violence in public transportation systems, which hinders their mobility and economic participation (World Economic Forum, 2022). Addressing gender-specific needs in urban planning is crucial for creating safe, inclusive cities for all.

Gendered pathways

Bibliography

• Amnesty International. (2023). LGBTI rights and discrimination

• Human Rights Watch. (2022). Challenges facing LGBTI communities.
• OECD. (2021). Urban inequalities and inclusive growth.
• OECD. (2023). Tackling poverty and social exclusion in cities.
• UN-Habitat. (2021). State of the world's cities report
• UN-Habitat. (2022). Global report on informal settlements
• UNEP. (2023). Air quality and urban health.
• UN Women. (2023). The global gender gap report.
• World Bank. (2023). Urban poverty and slums.
• World Economic Forum. (2022). Gender inequality in cities
• WHO. (2022). Air pollution and its impact on health.