Presentation of the Master’s thesis titled “The experience of adolescent women in public transport in Zapopan, Jalisco.”

27 March 2019

In order to strengthen relationships between TRYMontreal and TRYMexico teams, on March 15, 2019, students from the University of Montreal and Mexico City, as well as partners and researchers members of the TRYSPACES network met for the presentation of “Public spaces and public transport from the perspective of adolescent women in Zapopan: From reflection to self-determination” a master’s research conducted by Amélie Boudot, a student at the University of Montreal, member of TRYSPACES.

In this meeting organized by Alejandra Leal at the CEIICH, UNAM, Amelié shared her research on the experiences of adolescents on public transport in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and Zapopan, whose periphery is experiencing a process of rapid urbanization in a context of inequalities and speculation. In addition, in this region, there is a high level of violence against women, adolescents, and girls in the public space: 8 out of 10 women feel insecure in the streets, which limits their mobility and can reduce their possibilities of participation in public life.

The advances of Amélie’s Master’s research reflect a theoretical framework based on the experience of differentiated cities. Its methodology is based on a research-action process, which involves building knowledge in a participatory manner, through guided interviews, group discussions, exploratory tours, participatory mapping and photography; accompanied by the development of a critical role that aspires to a formative function and social change, and will also involve actors who can contribute to solving this problem, such as public transport operators, civil society and municipal and state government.

This meeting has been useful to provide feedback and strengthens Amélie Boudot’s theoretical-methodological approaches, as well as to see more networks and links woven between the TRYSPACES Network. For instance, her thesis will be co-directed by Juan Torres (University of Montreal) and Alejandra Leal (UNAM).