Browsing by Subject "built environment"

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    Community-Based Approaches to Reducing Health Inequities and Fostering Environmental Justice through Global Youth-Engaged Citizen Science
    (2021-01-21) King, Abby C; Odunitan-Wayas, Feyisayo A; Chaudhury, Moushumi; Rubio, Maria Alejandra; Baiocchi, Michael; Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy; Montes, Felipe; Banchoff, Ann; Sarmiento, Olga Lucia; Bälter, Katarina; Hinckson, Erica; Chastin, Sebastien; Lambert, Estelle V; González, Silvia A; Guerra, Ana María; Gelius, Peter; Zha, Caroline; Sarabu, Chethan; Kakar, Pooja A; Fernes, Praveena; Rosas, Lisa G; Winter, Sandra J; McClain, Elizabeth; Gardiner, Paul A; on behalf of the Our Voice Global Citizen Science Research Network
    Growing socioeconomic and structural disparities within and between nations have created unprecedented health inequities that have been felt most keenly among the world’s youth. While policy approaches can help to mitigate such inequities, they are often challenging to enact in under-resourced and marginalized communities. Community-engaged participatory action research provides an alternative or complementary means for addressing the physical and social environmental contexts that can impact health inequities. The purpose of this article is to describe the application of a particular form of technology-enabled participatory action research, called the Our Voice citizen science research model, with youth. An overview of 20 Our Voice studies occurring across five continents indicates that youth and young adults from varied backgrounds and with interests in diverse issues affecting their communities can participate successfully in multiple contributory research processes, including those representing the full scientific endeavor. These activities can, in turn, lead to changes in physical and social environments of relevance to health, wellbeing, and, at times, climate stabilization. The article ends with future directions for the advancement of this type of community-engaged citizen science among young people across the socioeconomic spectrum.
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    Open Access
    The role of technological innovation in overcoming barriers faced by women in the South African built environment
    (2026) Ndlovu, Amanda; Le Jeune, Karen
    The underrepresentation of women in the South African built environment highlights the need to understand and address the barriers that inhibit their full participation. Despite existing legislation and policies implemented to support women in the built environment, challenges in retaining female professionals persist. While existing studies have identified various barriers and success strategies for improving women's retention, significant gaps remain in addressing the underlying factors affecting their participation. This research investigated how technological innovations could help overcome these gender barriers and foster greater equality in all aspects of women's careers within the South African built environment sector. The study explored how emerging technologies could be used to enhance existing solutions and effectively address the challenges faced by women professionals. A qualitative study was undertaken, and a focus group discussion was held with six women registered with the professional councils under the Council of the Built Environment (CBE). The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights. The study found that professional women in the South African built environment face persistent barriers, including a male-dominated culture, the existence of glass ceilings, and a lack of work-life balance and mentorship. While existing solutions such as mentorship, professional development programmes, flexible working arrangements, and inclusive recruitment practices were acknowledged, their implementation has been inadequate. Technological innovations such as the use of AI and VR were identified as key tools to enhance these solutions by offering e-mentorship opportunities, promoting fair recruitment practices, enabling remote working opportunities and increasing awareness of unconscious bias. Despite concerns about potential biases and accessibility challenges, the study highlights technology's potential to drive gender equality in the BE sector. This research aims to highlight critical areas for intervention and offer practical recommendations for policymakers and organisations to better support women in the Built Environment sector.