Women and girls face many challenges when accessing public spaces.
Many women feel uncomfortable walking in public areas of their cities because they often face stares or are made to feel uneasy by others on the road. As someone who has lived in a city for 25 years, I understand this feeling. Women often cannot truly enjoy public spaces because of the lack of safe transportation and proper sanitation facilities.
There is a common misconception that women only occupy public spaces with a specific purpose, like going to work or attending family gatherings. Public spaces are often divided into areas considered appropriate for men and those appropriate for women. Men can roam public spaces at any time without being questioned, but women are heavily monitored and restricted in their movements. Many women find this difference in treatment unacceptable.
The barriers that prevent women from accessing public spaces freely
Women and girls face many challenges when accessing public spaces. Society imposes restrictions that limit their freedom to travel and be in public spaces as they desire. These restrictions include being told not to go out with male friends or colleagues, covering up, and avoiding public areas to prevent crimes against women.
These restrictions have a significant impact on women's education and development. Many girls and women are forced to drop out of school or college due to harassment on their way to these institutions. Instead of pushing for safer public spaces, the police monitor and restrict women's movements, preventing them from fulfilling their potential and dreams.
Moreover, many educational institutions impose strict curfew rules for women on campus, preventing them from going out at night, while no such restrictions apply to men. This practice promotes inequality and falsely assumes that restricting women's movement in public spaces will keep them safe.
Improving Transportation and Public Spaces for Women's Safety
A study was conducted in three cities in India (Patna, Muzzafarnagar, and Gaya), which found that women travel less than men and prefer to walk instead of using public transportation due to safety concerns. The study also found that more women (27%) than men (14%) let go of opportunities due to transportation safety concerns. 75% of women reported experiencing harassment on the streets, and 19% reported experiencing harassment at bus stops. Another survey conducted by UN Women showed that 95% of women feel unsafe in public spaces.
There is a need for safe and timely transport with increased bus stops, buses, and frequency, as well as last-mile connectivity to address these issues. More women in the transport sector are also needed to ensure equal opportunities and fight gender stereotypes. It is also important to have more women architects in the urban planning committee to build infrastructure that considers the needs of women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals. Additionally, there should be constant monitoring and strict punishment for offenders.
Recognizing Differences Can Help Us Come Together
In 2014, a terrible incident of sexual assault in Bangalore on New Year's Eve showed how unsafe public spaces can be for women. This incident led to various movements to make public spaces safer for women.
One of these movements is called the Why Loiter Street Campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about the risks women face on the streets of Mumbai. This campaign also demands that colleges in India relax curfews for women. Neha Singh, a part of this campaign, challenges the stereotype that women should stay indoors at night. She roams the city at night and encourages other women to do the same.
Social media has also played an important role in promoting women's safety in public spaces. The AintNoCinderella movement gained popularity after Varnika Kundu was stalked and shamed for being out late at night. Women across India posted selfies of themselves out at night to show solidarity with Varnika and challenge the idea that women should not be out late.
It's important to remember that when more women are seen in public spaces, it encourages other women to do the same. Women should be free to use public spaces for leisure activities without fear. Governments, urban planners, and society should work together to create safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone. This way, women can enjoy their right to use public spaces without discrimination or fear.
References -
https://feminisminindia.com/2020/11/12/women-in-public-spaces-street-safety/
This post represents the author’s personal views and experiences. iDare doesn’t endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.
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