One more city close to citizens, attractive, green and resilient, safe and inclusive: these are the requests that emerged from the survey “The city I would like. Reinventing the city for women” conducted on a sample of 5000 women, by Lexis Research for Soroptimist International of Italy and presented this morning in the G. Squinzi Auditorium of Assolombarda.

What actions to take to reinvent a city ​​for women? On the basis of what has emerged, it is evident that today's cities are not women-friendly, and that the request of women goes in the direction of an eco-sustainable city model, which sees them personally involved in a role of active citizens and responsible. From the indications of the study therefore emerges a strong interest in the construction of a real one sustainable urban ecosystem composed of four categories of future models:

1. The city of citizens: six out of ten women are interested in a city close to citizens, involved in decision-making processes for change, starting with women and young people; a city that invests in knowledge, training, education and digital innovation, starting from school.

2. The city's attractions and opportunities: almost seven out of ten women are interested in a city that enhances its territories with innovation and sustainability, from the cultural and environmental heritage to small businesses and crafts. A city open to change and innovation, capable of attracting talent, investment and creating new ones opportunity and skilled jobs.

3. The green, livable and resilient city: 66% of the sample interviewed are interested in a city that reduces land consumption, redevelops buildings and recovers natural/agricultural areas, and plans interventions in the area to face the new risks of climate change, investing in the circular economy, recovering biodiversity and increasing and enhancing green areas

4. The inclusive and safe city: 66% of the sample are interested in a safer city, reaching 71% in medium-large centres. Seven out of ten women are interested in a city that strengthens i health services, social services, solidarity and voluntary networks, gender equality also at the city level.

The initial greetings, entrusted to Elena Grandi, Councilor for the Environment and Greenery of the Municipality of Milan, and Bruna Floreani, project manager for Soroptimist International of Italy, introduced the event for discussion and analysis which, starting from the challenges for a sustainable future, recognize the extraordinary opportunity offered by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for "Urban Regeneration", aware however of the need to enhance the role of women as active citizens.

With the moderation of Giuliana Ferraino, journalist of Corriere della Sera, the gaze was brought to the future through a good practice such as the STEAMiamoci project, told by Emanuela Calderoni, Head Research & Insights of Armando Testa.

The Deputy Director of Corriere della Sera, Federico Fubini, instead introduced the opportunity represented by the PNRR funds for the economic, social and cultural revitalization of cities, which was followed by a reflection by the Sodalitas Foundation, with Dario Galizzoli, which brought the experience gained through the Cresco Award Sustainable Cities. Entering into the merits of the paths, actions and challenges towards new sustainable cities, Antonio Ragonesi of ANCI finally introduced more strategic and operational aspects.

The report “The city I would like: voices and visions of 5.000 women” was instead introduced and described by Emiliano Romano, president of Lexis Research, followed by the presentation of the Soroptimist Manifesto “The city I would like. Reinventing the city for women” by Marina Trentin, Environment Italy: starting from the research, Soroptimist has proposed an advocacy tool useful for directing projects and strategic territorial partnerships.

The subsequent round table "Building the eco-sustainable city of tomorrow starting from the new needs and expectations of citizens" saw the contributions of Barbara Lilla Boschetti, professor of Administrative Law at the Catholic University of Milan, Enrica Chiappero Martinetti, professor of Economic Policy at the University of Pavia, Roberta Cocco, consultant to the Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition, Francesco Ferrini, professor of Arboriculture at the University of Florence, Mauro Migliavacca, professor of Sociology of economic and labor processes of the University of Genoa and Caterina Sarfatti, Director of Inclusive Climate Action C40 Cities.

The conclusions of the day were entrusted to Livia Pomodoro, President of the No'hma Theater Space and holder of the UNESCO Chair “Food access and law” at the State University of Milan, and to Giovanna Guercio, National President of Soroptimist International of Italy.

The event was sponsored by the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Milan, and organized in collaboration with Anci, Assolombarda, STEAMiamoci, Fondazione Sodalitas, Ambiente Italia, ECOLE – Enti Confindustriali Lombardi per l'Educazione, Banca Ifigest and Young Women Network. Media partner The Economy of Corriere della Sera.

Research data is available at the following link.