Elx pushes for a gender-forward city to boost collective well being
Compromís per Elx gathered today with women’s representatives, various organizations, and urban planning specialists to discuss how a city guided by gender equity can raise the overall quality of life. The dialogue focused on reshaping Elche’s public space through a gender-aware lens, aiming to lay a stronger groundwork for shared well being in the community [Citation: Compromís Elx meeting].
Esther Díez, who leads the party’s mayoral bid and serves as the spokesperson for the municipal group, stated that Elche should keep advancing a fresh vision of public space. She emphasized that integrating a gender perspective is fundamental to advancing collective welfare for everyone in the city [Citation: Compromís Elx meeting].
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Speaking about neighborhoods and districts becoming more inclusive, the group advocates for spaces that are friendlier, more accessible, and healthier. They envision a city designed from a woman’s point of view, one that prioritizes inclusion and integration and ensures better living conditions for all residents.
Díez outlined a clear commitment for the next legislative cycle: intensify urban transformation through people-centered planning that highlights areas and services supporting families and local businesses. The plan also calls for more local amenities, an expanded public transit network, safer alternative transport, and symbolic recognition of women’s contributions to city life, among a broader set of measures [Citation: Compromís Elx meeting].
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Supporters describe policies that have already helped Elche become more inclusive and livable while contributing to climate action. They argue that the green city model championed by Compromís doubles as a more gender-balanced and diverse approach to the environment. Díez added that the aim is to shift away from a city built solely for production toward a city designed for living, with a strong focus on human-centered urban experiences [Citation: Compromís Elx meeting].
Meeting
Participants included Esther Díez, candidate for Mayor of Compromís per Elx, Marta Garcia Chico, a landscape expert and agricultural engineer who is part of the Aranea group, Asuncion Diaz Garcia, an architect and professor at the University of Alicante, and representatives from La Mama d’Elx, CC.OO, Dones Veinals, the Federation of AMPAS, Sin Límites, AUESA, Margalló, and Parkinson Elche Association. These voices underscored the belief that urban design must be informed by women’s lived experiences.
Marta García remarked on the need to view urban architecture through a woman’s lens, balancing care and comfort with the vitality of shared spaces. She highlighted the importance of reestablishing a citizen-focused environment, stepping away from car-dominated layouts and reintroducing a connection with nature through trees and greenery, which are essential to city planning.
Asunción Díaz noted that feminist policies should be reflected in city budgets to address issues that affect women in urban settings. She also stressed reducing private vehicle privileges and fostering coexistence initiatives where the young collaborate with older residents, to move toward a municipal model centered on people and inclusive infrastructures capable of enhancing accessibility, participation, and social integration.
Other members of the Compromís Elx slate attended the session, including Marian Campello, Marina Gonzalez, and Patricia Guarazas, along with additional party colleagues. The gathering reinforced the group’s commitment to advancing a city that prioritizes community needs and equitable access to services.