Designing Cities for Gender Equality Creating safe & inclusive spaces for Women

Equality and egalitarianism are the hallmark of cities. They offer the best of everything. Opportunities for health, education, work, etc. Some people come to earn their daily bread, others come to realize their dreams. From harrowing cases of sexual assault to women breaking the glass ceiling, cities have it all. But cities are also the hotbed of inequality. Vulnerable population groups like children, elderly and women face greater risk in cities. Gender Discrimination presents itself as a complex spectrum of small and big inequalities. This article tries to see how elements of design can create cities better suited for the other half of mankind

Women experience cities differently than men. Women of different ages experience cities differently. Even though we say “It’s a free world”, how much of the world is freely accessible to women? In today’s world, the importance of designing cities that prioritize gender equality cannot be overstated. Women deserve equal rights and opportunities to participate in public life without fear or discrimination. What are the key considerations and strategies for designing cities where women feel as much a part of the urban fabric as men, and where they can move freely and confidently at any time, in any corner of the city?

Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning

In a book written by Shilpa Phadke, Sameera Khan and Shilpa Ranade, “Why Loiter?: Women and Risk on Mumbai Streets”, the authors present and dissect how women navigate through various kinds of spaces in cities. In an exercise conducted in architecture colleges, students were asked to trace the path they would choose while negotiating a fictitious street. On one side of the street is a park with a fenced footpath, while on the other side is lower-middle-class housing with household activities spilling out unevenly onto the street. Female students prefer to walk on the residential edge, despite its messiness, as it appears friendlier and safer. The students are then asked which design would they prefer as architects and urban designers, and there was silence in the classroom. “The moral of this story is that architects, as well as other design experts or spatial technicians, very often design in and for an imaginary context that is determined by aesthetic values where concerns such as safety and comfort are not only secondary, but sometimes even irrelevant to the process of design,” they conclude.

To create cities that cater to the needs and safety of women, urban planners must adopt a gender-inclusive approach from the outset. This involves considering women’s perspectives and experiences in the planning and design process. Engaging women directly, along with other marginalized groups, can ensure their needs are adequately represented in urban development projects.

Safe Public Spaces

Well-lit public spaces are fundamental for creating inclusive cities. Adequate street lighting, particularly in isolated areas, parks, and walkways, can significantly enhance women’s sense of safety. Incorporating clear sightlines and designing streets and pathways that promote visibility and minimize blind spots are essential steps. Parks can be particularly challenging as they can be sites of crime because of the green cover of trees and bushes. To make parks, and public spaces in general, accessible and safe for women, they should not be segregated into residential or commercial but made into ‘mixed-use spaces’. For instance, a local tea seller, hawkers selling balloons and small shops selling snacks, can provide natural surveillance and safe space for all.

Women-Centric Urban Infrastructure

Integrating women-centric infrastructure is crucial for fostering gender equality in cities. Including gender-sensitive public toilets, breastfeeding and childcare facilities, and safe resting areas can enhance women’s comfort and participation in public spaces. Since women’s mobility gets restricted by toddlers and newborns, public toilets need to be equipped with diaper changing stations and other amenities for mothers with young children. Furthermore, considering the specific needs of women with disabilities, elderly women, and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds is crucial in designing inclusive infrastructure.

Efficient Public Transportation

Efficient, affordable, and safe public transportation is instrumental for improving women’s mobility within the city. Designing well-connected, accessible, and well-lit transport hubs with dedicated spaces for women, including waiting areas and restrooms, can improve their experience. Implementing gender-sensitive policies and training for transport staff can also help combat harassment and ensure a secure environment for women commuters. Unfortunately, not many cities in India can boast of a robust public transport system that is safe for women. In this context, Delhi Metro has some recognition as being safe for women. Subhadra Kaul, a resident of Gurugram and a daily commuter in Delhi NCR talks about what makes it feel safe for her. “The fact that there is a coach dedicated to women and that the space is designed in a manner that even in the general coaches you have quota seats. That sense of entitlement is empowering.”

Empowering Public Participation

Creating opportunities for women’s active participation in decision-making processes related to urban planning and governance is paramount. Encouraging women’s involvement in neighborhood associations, community initiatives, and local governance enables them to voice their concerns and shape the development of their neighborhoods. Providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration among citizens, policymakers, and urban planners can lead to more inclusive and gender-responsive cities. Promoting gender equality and safety in cities requires continuous education and awareness campaigns. These initiatives can help challenge deep-rooted societal norms and behaviors that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. Raising awareness about women’s rights, consent, and bystander intervention can foster a collective sense of responsibility for creating safe urban environments.

Engendering Behavioural Change

Even though crimes against women don’t raise eyesbrows anymore, a recent murder of a teen girl on the street of Delhi captured by the CCTV camera sent shockwaves everywhere. The gore aside, the video was all the more shocking for the apathetic passers-by, people casually strolling not sparing a second glance. This then begs the question, what is it that makes the capital so unsafe for women. A surveillance camera, the busy-ness of the street or fairly well lit-up area, none of it came to the rescue of the woman who was stabbed to death in front of everyone. Timely intervention by the public could’ve saved her life. What we need is a behavioural change. A thoughtful change in design of the city has to be accompanied by a change in culture. And the onus is on the authorities.

Designing cities that prioritize gender equality and women’s safety is an ongoing endeavor. It requires a holistic approach that encompasses urban planning, infrastructure, transportation, and public participation. By integrating women’s perspectives, ensuring safe and inclusive public spaces, and fostering empowerment through education and participation, cities can become vibrant, inclusive, and equitable environments for all. Creating cities where women feel safe and secure at any time and in any corner is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial step toward building sustainable and thriving communities for everyone.