Dear MEL Topic Readers,
How Vienna built a gender equal city
Located at the easternmost extension of the Alps, Vienna is the cultural, economic, and political center of Austria. The historic capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austrian Empire, and the Republic of Austria while having been the resident city of the Habsburg Dynasty, regained independence when the four-power control ended in 1955. As so many renowned composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss resided in the city and created masterpieces, many people think Vienna is a classical and conservative place. To your surprise, it is quite the opposite when it comes to gender equality. Vienna is trying to achieve gender equality in society based on equal structures, settings, and conditions for women, men, and LGBTQ. For example, almost anywhere, most of the parks you see are designed by male predominant city planners. But when women’s perspectives are included, you’ll see smaller spaces and more seating areas instead of a large football field. Interestingly, when such gender and age-sensitive designs are well made and implemented, they will look not absurd but natural, like the newly designed or renovated parks in Vienna. Also, when it comes to LGBTQ, the city came up with the first transgender crosswalk in pink, blue and white color. Surprisingly, that colorful crosswalk proposal was supported by all political parties including the most conservative.
So, if you have a chance to visit this traditional, historical, and cultural capital, you might also pay attention to their progressive attempts to be more liberal and open to any gender. (and of any religion or race?)
Enjoy reading the article and learn about
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