Aspects of Materials, Architecture, Structures and Gender Equity in Sustainable Urban Development in Africa

Background

Africa is the fastest growing continent, according to McKinsey. By 2025 there will be 100

African cities with more than one million inhabitants. This urban growth will require enormous amounts and movements of construction materials, which in return will coin economic growth on the one hand along with ecologic impact on the other hand. It is therefore important to plan and build the expansion of  cities  with sustainability at  the forefront.  Incorporating local materials into the supply chain can create livelihoods, the availability of space and resources offers opportunities to create socio-economically responsive urban regions that can be future- oriented without losing tradition and cultural heritage. Through the lens of  sustainable materials, structures and designs we can create more environmentally friendly materials, healthy and liveable cities. Sustainability in the context of urbanisation allows for innovative, reinvention and restoration of past and current solutions to evolving urban problems.

In the past, gender aspects have been neglected out of development debate, hence it is crucial to have intersectional solutions when we engage in sustainable development discourse. There is still a huge disparity in the representation of women in STEM fields across the world not just in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa only 31.3% of women are in employed in Research and Development positions and of which most are in lower positions and have limited decision- making power. There is a need to have inclusive solutions  that will ensure the success of women in STEM and achieving sustainable developments.

Objectives

The Seminar “Aspects of Materials, Architecture, Structures and Gender Equity in Sustainable Urban Development  in Africa” gathers high-level experts from materials, architecture and sciences who will give insights on sustainable urbanisation with a focus on to sustainable materials, architectural and structural solutions, as well as gender considerations.

Acknowledgements

The seminar takes place with the financial support of Programme Advocating Women in STEM (PAWS) by the German Ministry of Education and Research (https://www.internationales-buero.de/en/paws.php). The scientific content has been approved by the RILEM Educational Activities Committee (http://www.rilem.net).