In 1992, while presenting at the World Futures Studies Federation course on International Development, I shifted my lecture from the typical rehearsed presentation on factors explaining maldevelopment to a real time unpacking/deconstruction of transportation futures. As I, we, worked through the analysis, alternatives organically emerged. The four levels were: first, the problem or the litany – congestion and pollution. Second the causes: too many cars and desire for more cars, rising incomes, traditional infrastructure that was not car flow friendly, among other factors. Third, the Big City outlook, westernization, and the "Los Angelization" of the planet. And fourth, West is best with cars as freedom, as individuality. We understood that the government would take a technical approach of creating flyovers and not the deeper required to rethink centre-periphery relations – to decentralize - to reimagine Bangkok as a walkable and green city. This led to a discussion on not just in
FOREWORDAt the beginning of 2024, I was invited to contribute to a project focused on women who engage in futures thinking and foresight. As a cornerstone of the project, a seminarwas planned to celebrateInternational Women’s Day. In preparation for the event, a vibrant exchange unfolded in a WhatsApp group. Participants, including myself, posed questions, suggested sessions, and explored shared concerns and interests. The following were some of the questions raised:• Why do so many people, who agree with the principles of feminism, hesitate to identify themselves as feminists?• What does feminism signify in 2024?• How should we define it?• Can individuals of genders other than women be feminists?• Is feminism still relevant, or is it considered passé?• Does the concept of feminism require rebranding?• Should we discuss feminism in the singular or feminismS in the plural?• Are we now closer to achieving the central feminist vision of an equitable
