Engaging citizens in city planning in Cuenca

In Ecuador, the needs of families have not traditionally been a high priority in urban planning – but there is an opportunity to change this, as mechanisms have been put in place to engage citizens in the planning and implementation of local and national policies.

The project will work in the Hermano Miguel, El Vecino Totoracocha and Monay districts of Cuenca, which have organised groups of women and parents. It will hold mobile assembly meetings to develop proposals for improving city planning with under-5s in mind, and deliver a proposal for reform to the city’s mayor.

Update, February 2018: The mobile assemblies have started, with 12 meetings held since the start of the year: six in the parish of Bellavista, five in Hermano Miguel and one in El Vecino.

Update, June 2018: The project has reached an agreement with the Technological Institute of Azuay to design a park aimed at young children. It is launching a campaign – “No más guaguas apachurrados” – to raise awareness of children’s rights on public transport, and has worked with the University of Cuenca and Cuenca Transport Chamber to develop training for drivers on good treatment for children aged 0-5.