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Women Friendly Cities

Context: Urban planning in India does not factor in gender perspectives. Cities need to be redesigned to address the concerns of women.

Issues

Personal security, digital security and infrastructure security

All these have a multiplier effect on the position of women — these can negatively affect their access to public spaces, jobs and even how much leisure time they can spend.

Indifference to concerns of women results in a difficult commute and poor childcare facilities.

The segregation of commercial and residential areas automatically increases the commute from work to home and creates entry barriers to mobility for women.

Shared transport has been found to be generally unsafe. But in the absence of dedicated footpaths or cycle tracks, women commuters have little option.

Way Ahead

To make cities women-friendly, urban planners must focus on two core issues —greater safety from violence and adequate childcare support.

Mixed land-use, by encouraging office space and commercial areas in residential localities, makes for regular use of streets, better lighting and encourages women to use public spaces.

Chandigarh Model – This city factored in local markets, commercial offices, schools, public parks, post offices, police posts and medical clinics into the design of each small locality or sector.

Reliable childcare facilities, are necessary if we expect women to enter the job market, sustain jobs and also pursue leisure activities.

Ensuring that enough creches are available throughout the city is important to set women free and support them in discharging their parental duties.

For construction sites, mobile creches could be the answer.