Even though they make up half of the population, women and girls get the raw deal when it comes to urban design: in surveys, around 97 percent of women in the UK aged 18-24, have complained of bullying sex in public places, while in Ireland more than half of the women surveyed said they felt safe on public transport after dark.
Other issues include the lack of good public facilities. for example, a third of women in the world say they do not have access to an adequate toilet.
The publication, “Building Cities that Work for Women”, is based on four themes: safety and security, justice and equity, health and well-being and empowerment and fulfillment.
Lack of representation
Many aspects of urban design are covered, from street lighting to sculptures. Only around a third of monuments celebrating past and present heroes, depict women.
Women’s needs and aspirations are tested, from insecurity, to gender-based discrimination, and lack of access to quality education and job opportunities.
The study shows that women are not well represented in key decisions that affect the future environment for everyone: they are active in only one in seven regional institutions, and face obstacles in important areas such as urban planning , construction, and leadership positions.
UNDP CEO Achim Steiner said “Achieving gender equality is central to each of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. “When cities are designed specifically without considering the needs and understanding of women of all ages and identities, this can have a negative impact not only on their lives, but on their families.”
Women-friendly solutions
The report, which was developed by international design and engineering firm Arup, the University of Liverpool, and the UN Development Program (UNDP), draws on the voices and experiences of women around the world, and comprehensively reviews of data and research.
There is a strong focus on decisions for decision makers, and finding ways to
involve women at all levels of urban design and planning, to ensure that cities work better for them, and that they are more empowered and inclusive.
Concrete recommendations include developing city-wide gender equality activities, education and development programs, and creating design action plans.
Cooperation between public authorities and other stakeholders, such as businesses and civil society groups, is also cited as an important factor in creating safe, equal opportunities for women and girls.
