Women Changing Cities

Global Stories of Urban Transformation

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.

“The global transportation revolution isn’t coming from engineers in Detroit or techies in Silicon Valley, it’s coming from women taking action around the world. Women Changing Cities tells the personal, political and inspiring stories of the streetfighters who are transforming city centres and neighbourhoods through smart strategies and sheer determination.” - Janette Sadik-Khan, Principal, Bloomberg Associates; former Commissioner, NYC Department of Transportation

“Having women’s voices included in the transport and urban development sectors is not only fair, it is smart. All of the places in these 11 stories are now better places for all, thanks to the profound empathy and determination of these changemakers. We are just scratching the surface of how female leadership can be an engine of change – this book shows we must recognise the skills and complementary approaches that have been missing for far too long and provide the space for women to lead.” - Claudia Adriazola-Steil, Deputy Director, Urban Mobility Program & Director, Health and Road Safety Program, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, World Resources Institute

Coming October 1st, 2025 from RIBA Books. Available for pre-order from most online retailers, including Amazon (USA, Canada, Netherlands, France, Spain, and Germany), WHSmith, Routledge, Barnes & Noble, Bol, and independent booksellers.