Hassell’s Post

At Playground, we're passionate about reimagining urban spaces through a gender-sensitive lens. Our founder Joana Traver recently had an enriching discussion with Nourhan Bassam, a leading voice in feminist urban design and placemaking, and the author of "The Gendered City." Key takeaways from the discussion include the urgent need for education on the importance and impact of gender-sensitive cities, the creation of urban policies that consider gender and socioeconomic disparities, and the inclusion of gender-sensitivity in all phases of the planning and evaluation process, combining different approaches to successfully implement gender-sensitive urban development - an aspect I am personally very committed to. Gender-equitable cities involves not just incorporating women's voices but also integrating an intersectional perspective that includes race, class, sexuality, and disability. Last year, the ACT Government (Australia) undertook a consultation with Canberra’s community to understand how different groups experience their public places. The collaboration between OCULUS, PLACE Lab, Communication Link and Inhabit Place (for the ACT Government) resulted in the "Gender-Sensitive Urban Development Implementation Toolkit" - a urban guideline you can check out here: https://lnkd.in/eJj_zh9U What are your thoughts on it? Do you know any other guidelines/toolkits supporting urban designers create more gender-equal cities? Let us know in the comments and join us as we strive to transform urban spaces into vibrant, inclusive environments that recognise, consider and celebrate diversity! #GenderEquality #UrbanDesign #InclusiveCities #FeministUrbanism #GenderSensitivePlanning #SafeCities #DiversityAndInclusion

𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 is a new resource developed by the Champions of Change Coalition 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽. It represents a collective effort to embed equity into the design of built environments from the outset, ensuring spaces are safe, accessible, and empowering for all. Given Australia’s population growth and projected $213 billion five-year major public infrastructure pipeline, this work could not be timelier. Anchored to the Coalition’s 7 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 framework, 𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 provides practical guidance for integrating gender equality, accessibility, culture, and wellbeing into every phase of design. By systematically checking bias and moving beyond legislative standards, the 7 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 enable organisations to set a new benchmark for inclusive design.   Download the report today and join us in building a gender-equal and equitable future: https://lnkd.in/gKBh2XD7     A very special thank you to our architecture leaders who generously contributed their time and expertise to bring this vision to life.    Hassell, Liz Westgarth, Tanya Golitschenko, Jason Cuffe, @Jill Newell, SJB, Frankie Layson, Monica Edwards, Billard Leece Partnership, Tara Veldman GAICD, Gabriella Aistrope, Simon Flynn, ajc architects, John Whittingham, Nichole Downey, @Zarina Weston, Cox Architecture, @Alex Small, Justine Clark, Dr Jess Murphy, Olivia Tsen, Julie Bissinella    #EquityByDesign #InclusiveSpaces #LeadershipInAction #ChampionsOfChangeCoalition   

#Inclusivity is a crucial issue in any organization. #Workplace #design plays a vital role in creating environments that welcome people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages and orientations. Architecture, understood as the design and organization of physical spaces, can profoundly influence the culture of a company, promoting #diversity, #gender #equality and the well-being of all employees. An inclusive working environment does not "simply" respond to legal regulations or accessibility for people with disabilities, but seeks to break down psychological, social and physical barriers that could hinder the full integration of everyone. In this context, architecture is not just a functional element, but a form of #empowerment that can improve the work experience, stimulate collaboration and support the talent and well-being of each individual. A design that is attentive to the different physical, psychological and cultural needs of employees, fosters a more cohesive, creative and resilient work community. Companies that invest in inclusive #spaces send a clear message: diversity and gender equality are values that enrich every organization.

Inclusive workplace architecture is designed to accommodate and support a wide range of diversity among workers, whether physical, sensory, cultural, generational or cognitive. Creating spaces that promote inclusiveness means designing environments that can be easily accessible and functional for everyone, without anyone feeling excluded or disadvantaged: flexible and hybrid spaces to accommodate the most varied ways of working.

🗣️ Breaking the Mold: The State of Diversity in Today's Workplace 🌍 In 2024, diversity in the workplace isn't just a "nice to have"—it's the cornerstone of innovation and growth. Yet, too many companies are still treating diversity like a checkbox, rather than a true business imperative. Here's the truth: Diversity is not just about having different faces in the room; it's about embracing different perspectives, experiences, and ideas that drive real change. It's about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. But where do we stand today? The needle is moving, but not fast enough. We see organizations making strides in gender equality and racial diversity, but what about age, disability, and neurodiversity? What about fostering a culture where DEI is ingrained in every decision, from the boardroom to the breakroom? The future of work demands more than just surface-level diversity. It requires a deep commitment to equity and inclusion—where diverse talent doesn't just survive but thrives. 🌱 Let's challenge the status quo. Let's move beyond "diversity initiatives" and start creating workplaces that reflect the vibrant, multifaceted world we live in. The time for talk is over—let's take action, build bridges, and create spaces where everyone belongs. 🚀 #Diversity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #Equity #Innovation

I’m thrilled to share the launch of the Equity by Design resource, developed by Hassell in collaboration with the Champions of Change Coalition Architecture Group, including AJC, SJB Architects, COX Architecture, and Billard Leece Partnerships. This initiative is more than a professional milestone; it’s deeply personal. As a female architect, and a parent raising a child with complex needs, I’ve experienced first-hand the barriers of our cities and public spaces. That’s why I believe the 7 Switches framework is so powerful. It’s not just about designing to meet standards anymore; it is imperative we design beyond them—ensuring that everyone is valued, understood, invested in, and free. Download the report today and join us in building a gender-equal and equitable future: https://lnkd.in/gyCKFEd3 Hassell, Liz Westgarth, @Jason Cuffe, @Jill Newell, SJB, Billard Leece Partnership, AJC architects, Cox Architecture, Justine Clark, @Dr Jess Murphy, Olivia Tsen #EquityByDesign #InclusiveSpaces #LeadershipInAction #ChampionsOfChangeCoalition

I am inspired by Akinyi Emily Ochieng to pick a theme for the year. This allows me to pick an area of focus, for the year, that aligns with my aspirations and goals. As we step into a new year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the possibilities ahead. This year, I’ve chosen the theme “Elevation” to guide my journey—both personally and professionally. For me, Elevation represents: Scaling Impact: Expanding the reach and effectiveness of my consultancy to support organizations in fostering Gender Equality, Social Inclusion (GESI), and System Strengthening. Empowering Others: Uplifting communities, organizations, and individuals by equipping them with tools, strategies, and policies to create inclusive environments and sustainable growth. Personal Growth: Continuously refining my skills, exploring innovative approaches, and deepening my commitment to meaningful change. This theme is deeply important to me because it reflects the aspirations I hold for my consultancy and the people I aim to serve. It’s about rising together—helping others achieve their goals while remaining anchored in purpose and values. In 2025, I aim to: 1⃣ Drive initiatives that transform systems and promote equity. 2⃣ Collaborate with partners who share a vision for inclusivity and resilience. 3⃣ Mentor and inspire others to break barriers and embrace opportunities. Why Elevation Matters In a world striving for balance and equality, "elevation" reminds me that progress isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about lifting others along the way. It’s a call to action to create a legacy of growth, empowerment, and shared success. As I embark on this journey, I invite you all to reflect on what Elevation means to you. Let’s connect, collaborate, and create a transformative year together. Here’s to elevating #possibilities, #purpose, and #impact in 2025!

Ben is a master at work. And transformative work in workplaces requires mastery. Watching him create safer and meaningful spaces is truly breathtaking: ☁️ Spaces to step back and reflect 🙋♂️ Spaces to ask for help without fear 🧘♂️ Spaces to understand our role in others' lives I’ve seen sessions where he skilfully encourages open exploration by asking the hard questions: ❓ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶? ❓ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶? ❓ 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦? The trick is that by the time he asks these questions they no longer feel hard to think about. This is how true allyship begins: 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. It creates safe spaces for authentic conversations, gradual learning, and sustainable change. Beyond Equality sessions connect, creating a cultural shift, creating workplaces where everyone feels supported, heard, and valued. It make rooms for the questions that lead to real transformation. How have you been supporting your team as we navigate these cultural shifts? _____________________________ Dan Guinness, PhD Managing Director, Beyond Equality 🟰 Creating space for gender justice and cultural change 🚀 #CultureOfAllyship #InclusiveLeadership #MenAsAllies #Allyship #GenderEquality #Masculinity

#𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 #𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻2 ✨ Rising Above the Backlash: A Call to Action for Gender Equity and LGBTQIA+ Rights In recent years, we’ve witnessed extraordinary strides in advancing gender equity and LGBTQIA+ rights. Yet, alongside these gains, a growing wave of resistance threatens to roll back progress in many parts of the world. News of restrictive policies and funding cuts for women's health and minority rights in the US will be a marker of ongoing attempts to hinder the full participation of citizens of all genders into society. This backlash manifests in restrictive laws, cultural polarization, and even economic barriers to inclusion—all of which demand our immediate and collective response. Challenges We Face: 🔴 Systemic Risks: Legislative and policy changes are eroding legal protections and access to services for women and LGBTQIA+ communities in numerous regions. 🔴 Economic Inequities: Many minority groups remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, with limited access to sustainable economic opportunities. 🔴 Cultural Resistance: Social stigmas, amplified by misinformation, hinder open conversations and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Despite these challenges, there are pathways forward. Whether through civil society initiatives, philanthropic partnerships, or private-sector commitments, progress is possible when stakeholders come together with a shared vision. Areas of Focus for Solutions: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: Initiatives such as the Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe have demonstrated the power of collaboration in directing resources toward grassroots organizations that are closest to the communities they serve. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Companies making tangible commitments to gender-inclusive supply chains and equitable workplace policies, as promoted by UN Women, can drive systemic change and set industry benchmarks. 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: Advocating for inclusive legislation and protections is critical, especially in regions where hard-won rights are under threat. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Building trust and dialogue at the local level is key to shifting cultural narratives and ensuring that solutions resonate with diverse populations. The road ahead is not without hurdles, but it is paved with opportunities to innovate, adapt, and inspire. Public advocates can shift the narrative and fight this adverse moment in history: how do you see the role of decision-makers, advocates, and youth leaders in navigating these challenges? What examples of progress inspire you today?

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://lnkd.in/djmprwTS In its ninth iteration, the #women in the #workplace report, conducted in #collaboration with LeanIn.Org, stands out as a groundbreaking exploration of the #corporate landscapes in America and Canada. This annual initiative delved into data from 276 participating organizations, encompassing a #workforce of over ten million individuals. A sweeping survey was extended to more than 27,000 employees and 270 senior HR leaders within these #organizations, offering a unique glimpse into their distinctive policies and practices. The report adopts an intersectional lens, unraveling the intricate biases and hurdles faced by Asian, Black, Latina, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. This year's discoveries spotlight noteworthy strides in women's representation at the pinnacles of the C-suite, reaching unprecedented heights. Despite these hard-earned victories, the research paints a vivid picture of a worrisome standstill in the corporate pipeline's midsection, coupled with an enduring lack of representation for women of color. The quest for authentic parity remains an enigmatic challenge. Adding to the urgency, the #worldeconomicforum reports a disheartening projection: the #global gender gap is expected to take 131 years to close, a slight increase from the previous estimate of 135 years. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta and the founder of LeanIn.org and OptionB, emphasizes the critical need for attention and concern, stating, "The biggest headline is that things aren't changing enough, and we need people to care and pay attention to that." Despite sounding like a broken record, Sandberg stresses the importance of debunking myths hindering women's progress. As the Women in the Workplace Report enters its ninth year, the goal remains steadfast—to dismantle barriers and foster meaningful change. #workplace #womenworkplace #innovation #delvens #weforschen