Women Changing Cities
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.
About the authors
Melissa and Chris Bruntlett are Canadian authors and urban mobility advocates who strive to communicate the benefits of sustainable transport and inspire happier, healthier, more human-scale cities. Their first book, Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality, explored the urban and transport planning decisions that established the Netherlands as a bicycle paradise, and how North American communities are translating these ideas to build their own cycling cities.
In 2019, Melissa and Chris, along with their two children, relocated from Vancouver, Canada, to Delft, The Netherlands. Melissa is the founder of Modacity Creative , an independent consultancy that bridges the gap between creative thinking and behavioral change to develop projects with a positive social impact. As International Relations Manager for the Dutch Cycling Embassy , Chris uses his knowledge and passion to share practical lessons for global cities wishing to learn from the Netherlands’ extraordinary success. Together they continue to be inspired by their home, watching their children (and countless others) enjoy a quality of life only possible in an environment that puts people first.
