A Space of Our Own

International Women’s Day Event to Empower Women in Public Space:

A Space of Our Own:
A Handbook on Gender and Monuments in Intersectional Public Spaces

Thursday, March 06, 2025 / 4:30 – 5:30 PM
DAU-SEN Local
Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus

In honour of International Women’s Day, the Eastern Mediterranean University Urban Research and Development Center (EMU-URDC) hosted an open discussion and workshop event in Famagusta, Cyprus, in collaboration with the DAU-SEN Eastern Mediterranean University Academic Personnel Trade Union (DAU-SEN) and the Cyprus Turkish Teachers Trade Union (KTOS).

At the event, the Association for Historical Dialogue & Research (AHDR), a unique multi-communal, non-profit, non-governmental organisation established in Nicosia in 2003, introduced its project and book—A Space of Our Own: A Handbook on Gender and Monuments in Intersectional Public Spaces—through an interactive workshop.

A Space of Our Own: A Handbook on Gender and Monuments in Intersectional Public Spaces aims to serve as both a supplementary resource and an enhancement of existing materials. It addresses the need for practical educational content that examines the intricate relationship between gender and public space through the lens of monuments in Cyprus. This handbook seeks to empower educators, youth workers, professionals, and activists with comprehensive lesson plans and educational resources supported by relevant theoretical insights. It can be integrated into formal curricula as an additional learning tool or as a foundation for extracurricular activities.

This event presented robust findings on the recognition that women and non-conforming genders are often publicly invisible. In that sense, the discussion focused on the crucial need for these groups to claim their own space – a public space that is inclusive and equally respectful of the needs and experiences of all genders, including women and those with non-binary identities.

The EMU Urban Research and Development Center, DAU-SEN, and KTOS co-organised the event to support SDG5 Gender Equality and to emphasise SDG 11.7: “Provide access to safe and inclusive green and public spaces. By 2030, ensure universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities” in addition to SDG5 Gender Equality.

Read about the project and the book here.

Download the book here.

Recommended by Sebnem Hoskara