Introduction

Reimagining an Inclusive Roadmap for Cities in the Next Decade

Reimagining an Inclusive Roadmap for Cities in the Next Decade

On 16 September 2026, our Founder and Executive Director Nidhi Goyal spoke on a panel, “Reimagining an Inclusive Roadmap for Cities in the Next Decade” at the National Consultation on Safe and Inclusive Public Spaces, organised by UN Women. The consultation brought together 80 attendees to reflect on building safer and more inclusive cities for the next decade. She was joined by fellow speakers: Madhav Raman, Co-founder, Anagram Architects; Gokul Narayan, CEO, Asian School of Cyber Laws; Prabhleen Tuteja, Executive Director, YP Foundation, and Anita Kumar, Director, Policy and Insights, Janaagraha. 

Nidhi highlighted that access to public spaces for women with disabilities has two interconnected dimensions: safety and accessibility. If either is compromised, access cannot be considered complete. She pointed to everyday barriers, from having to lift a wheelchair into public transport to inaccessible POS (point-of-sale) and payment systems for blind persons.

She emphasised the importance of women with disabilities being not only present in design spaces, but actively consulted and leading the process. Designing with disability in mind can create more accessible cities for people across ages and other diversities, recognising that disability intersects with every aspect of urban life.

A mid-shot of Nidhi Goyal sitting in front of large banner. She is wearing a black and white patterned long-sleeve kurti and a black and white beaded necklace. She is speaking into a mic, smiling.The panelists standing on a stage in front of their seats and a banner with the name of the event behind them. From left to right: Prabhleen Tuteja, Madhav Raman, Nidhi Goyal, Anita Kumar, and Gokul Narayan.