In Nepal's rapidly growing cities, the need for public spaces that welcome everyone is more urgent than ever. While the government has admirable policies aimed at creating accessible public areas through community involvement, the reality often falls short. More often than not, the very people who rely on these spaces-women, children, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups-find their voices unheard in the design process. An inclusive approach, however, can transform these spaces into vibrant hubs of safety, security, accessibility, and genuine community. The solution: Cities 4 Women.The 'Cities 4 Women: Inclusive and Climate Resilient Urbanisation in Nepal' initiative, a collaborative effort funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland and brought to life by UNOPS(United Nations Office for Project Services), UN-Habitat, and Cities Alliance, is actively working to bridge this gap. We are committed to ensuring that community voices are central to the planning and decision-making for urban open spaces across Nepal. At its heart, good design should reflect the needs of those who will use it. This is the guiding principle for the Cities 4 Women (C4W) project, which partners with seven municipalities to put this into practice. In Dhangadhi, Hetauda, Birendranagar, Chandragiri, Tansen, and Tilottama, we've brought together hundreds of people: women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ community members, academics, municipal staff, and elected officials. Through hands-on workshops, they've helped shape the design of their cities. We've used practical tools like gender-based community mapping, safety audits, urban walks, and co-design workshops to identify concerns around inclusivity, safety, visibility, and accessibility. This collaboration has led to safer, more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable infrastructure. As a senior citizen in Dhangadhi shared, 'The co-designing workshop truly felt like creating my own home and compounds. I was involved in every detail of the Khula Munch design.' The Deputy Mayor of Tansen echoed this sentiment: 'This participatory approach ensured that the unique voices and needs of marginalised communities were not just heard but meaningfully integrated, supporting Nepal's legal mandate for community involvement in local planning.' And as Min B Nepali, a person with a disability, said, 'This was the first time a person with disabilities like me was included in the planning of public spaces.' These participatory workshops place people at the very centre, ensuring that designs truly meet their needs and reflect their visions. Through this approach, municipalities create a platform where every voice can be heard and integrated into decisions. People-centered planning empowers local actors, making development more inclusive and sustainable. This means acknowledging the safety concerns and facility needs of women and girls, addressing the developmental and recreational needs of children, crafting comfortable spaces for senior citizens, prioritizing accessibility for persons with disabilities, and considering the unique needs of sexual and gender minorities, such as gender-neutral toilets, which are often overlooked in conventional planning. Ultimately, public open spaces contribute most effectively to community well-being when designed by the very people who use them, as they naturally prioritise their safety, health, and comfort. Nepal's Constitution, national policies, and international commitments like SDG 11 all envision urban development that is inclusive, fair, and participatory. Yet, the reality on the ground often tells a different story, where top-down planning and a lack of public engagement marginalise the voices of the most vulnerable communities in the society. With the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) at the helm of urban development, efforts are underway to bridge this gap. This approach supports the constitutional right to inclusion, equality, and participation. It also aligns with the MoUD's GESI Guideline (2023) and the National Urban Development Strategy (2017-2031), which emphasise people-centered infrastructure. In addition, it reinforces the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, and MoFAGA's 7-Step Planning Process, translating policy into meaningful action. Crucially, these efforts directly contribute to SDG 11 targets, particularly 11.3 and 11.7, demonstrating how safe, inclusive, sustainable, and accessible cities can be built with the people, not just for them. Designing public open spaces together is far more than simply including people. It is a powerful approach that empowers communities and leads to more effective, lasting outcomes. Therefore, inclusive urban development isn't just a policy goal; it's a vital shift in how we build our future. The participatory model, successfully implemented by municipalities under the Cities 4 Women project, proves that safe and inclusive cities are achievable, especially when communities lead the way. It's a powerful call for all 293 urban municipalities to adopt and replicate this model, ensuring that women, people with disabilities, children, senior citizens, and marginalised groups are truly represented in planning. Neelam is Program Management Specialist, UNOPS.