The future of cities is female...
As cities around the world face mounting crises - climate change, traffic congestion and growing inequity - the need for bold, people-first solutions has never been greater. Enter the women leading the charge.
In Women Changing Cities, Melissa and Chris Bruntlett highlight the groundbreaking work of female mayors, planners, advocates, and policymakers in reshaping urban spaces for the better. From Paris to Bogota, Manila to Montreal, these leaders are reclaiming streets, reimagining mobility, and designing safer, more inclusive public spaces, despite fierce opposition.
Through real-world success stories and powerful insights, this book proves that when cities are built with women in mind, they become more liveable for everyone. Whether you're passionate about gender equity, sustainable transport, or urban design, Women Changing Cities is a call to action and an inspiring blueprint for the future.
Because when women lead, cities thrive.
About the Authors
Preface: Our Personal Experiences and Growth in Mobility Advocacy
Introduction: The Growing Need for More Gender-Equitable Leadership
Barcelona Restoring Liveability Block by Block
Bogotį Building a Legacy by Valuing Care Work
Delhi Digitizing the Right to the City
Brussels Bravery in the Face of Opposition
Kampala Changing Attitudes with Persistency and Passion
Montréal Ahead of the Curve in Human-Centred Design
Manila Working Together for Transport Through Biyahenihan
Tirana Child-Focused Planning in a Post-Communist Context
Paris From a City for Passing Through to a City for Passing Time
Sydney Establishing an Ecosystem of Women Changemakers
México City Women Leaders Creating Space for the Next Generation
Conclusion: Why Does Female Leadership Break Through The Status Quo?
Bibliography
Index
Image Credits
Melissa and Chris Bruntlett are Dutch Canadian authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of happier, healthier, more human-scale cities. As long-time mobility advocates in Vancouver, Canada, in 2019 they, along with their two children Leo and Etienne, relocated to Delft, The Netherlands, and havent looked back.
As an equitable mobility expert, Melissa is the founder of Modacity Creative, an independent consultancy that works with advocates, professionals, and leaders to bridge the gap between creative thinking and behaviour change. Her work focuses on developing projects with a positive social impact with global partners to support a just mobility transition. Through storytelling, narrative building, inspiration sessions, and interactive workshops, she helps organisations and partners realise a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable mobility future.
Chris is International Relations Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, a public-private partnership that shares the best knowledge and expertise from the Netherlands with cities around the world. In his role, he creates multimedia content that shares the qualitative benefits of a multi-modal transport system and strengthens diplomatic and economic relationships.
Melissa and Chris are the co-authors of Building the Cycling City and Curbing Traffic, and continue to share their message globally through speaking and an extensive online presence.
