Designing Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces: Lessons from Indian Cities
Anmol Yadav, Divyasri SN & Nandini Singh
1. Objective of the study
By Anmol Yadav
The goal of the study is to investigate the design features and strategy that help Indian cities construct public areas that are gender inclusive. Public spaces are essential to urban life providing locations for social exchange, recreation, and community building. Yet, often these areas fall flat to meet needs of genders, resulting in accessibility and safety disparities. Goal of this research is to investigate these disparities and offer practical solutions that encourage inclusivity fostering secure surroundings for all, irrespective of gender.
Need of the hour is to have well-designed public places in areas that are rapidly-urbanizing, such as India. Public areas are crucial for promotion of community cohesion being centers of social and economic activity. However, still major Indian cities suffer from outdated infrastructure, poor public facilities, and hazardous surroundings, making it difficult for people of different genders to benefit from these places to their full potential.
Public areas are crucial to urban life giving people a place to congregate, socialize, and participate in activities that foster social inclusion and well-being, while accelerating people’s social, emotional, and physical well-being by providing chances for leisure, community development, and cross-cultural interaction. Additionally, they act as key touchpoints for civic involvement and participation promoting sustainable ecosystems.
Despite their importance, women and transgender people, find public areas in Indian cities to be precarious and inhospitable. Issues like violence, harassment, poor illumination, restricted access to sanitary and secure facilities, and poorly designed pedestrian walkways act as barriers to equal access leading to unequal experiences in public places, where many people areunable to fully participate.
2. Understanding Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces
By Anmol Yadav
Understanding that different people have varying requirements, preferences, and experiences depending on their gender, gender-inclusive public spaces are created. The goal of these areas is to ensure that regardless of gender, everyone feels appreciated, safe, and at ease. Gender inclusion can only said to be incorporated when basic necessities like lighting, access, sanitation, mobility serve all genders equally.
To achieve the same initiatives like The Safe cities by UN Women and the guidelines established by groups such as Gehl Architects prioritize inclusive development and fair access to urban areas emphasizing significance of including safety into city design while acknowledging varied gender experiences in public spaces.
Social concerns like physical and verbal harassment faced by women, poor mobility, lack of CCTV’s, poor pedestrian infrastructure exacerbate gender inequality in infrastructure created in accordance with archaic gender roles. Cities need to build spaces that are not just inviting but also inclusive for everyone by tackling these issues with careful urban design.
References:
https://prism.ucalgary.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/2fc1f1d5-e7f4-435b-bf41-145fea93ecb6/content
https://escholarship.org/content/qt4ht60519/qt4ht60519.pdf?t=relm8f&v=lg
3. Evaluating Urban Design Components
By Divyasri SN (3.1, 3.2) & Nandini Singh (3.3, 3.4)
The quality of living in urban areas is greatly influenced by urban design. Street lighting and public restrooms are two essential components that affect accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in metropolitan areas. Urban environments can become safer and more fair by addressing these issues with creative solutions.
3.1. Lighting on the Streets
Current Concerns
Street illumination is still insufficient in many Indian cities, especially in the outskirts and in informal settlements. Due to increased susceptibility to crimes like theft and harassment, poor lighting increases safety hazards, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups. According to a study by Jagori (2010), one of the main causes of metropolitan women’s feelings of insecurity is poor street illumination. Additionally, the use of antiquated, energy-intensive lighting systems strains municipal budgets and undermines environmental sustainability objectives.
Case Studies and Solutions
To overcome these obstacles, Indian cities are implementing creative solutions. Mumbai’s Marine Drive, for instance, is a well-lit public area that has improved safety and drawn community involvement. Up to 50% less energy is used in Bengaluru thanks to the installation of motion-activated smart LED lamps (Economic Times, 2022). One example of how renewable energy can promote sustainable urban development is the deployment of solar-powered streetlights in both urban and rural regions. These programs can be expanded nationally to encourage safer and more energy-efficient streets.
3.2. Public restrooms
Difficulties
In India, public restrooms frequently fall short of accommodating the demands of a variety of people, especially women and transgender people. Accessibility is restricted by a lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure, and this problem is made worse by cultural stigmas. More than 70% of urban women avoid using public restrooms because of safety and hygienic concerns, according to a 2020 Water Aid India research. Inadequate maintenance also leads to unsanitary environments, which raises the risk of illnesses and infections.
Recommendations
To overcome these challenges, cities like Chennai have introduced gender-neutral public toilets that cater to the needs of all individuals, including transgender people. These facilities not only promote inclusivity but also challenge cultural stigmas associated with public sanitation. Additionally, incorporating self-cleaning mechanisms and touch fewer systems in public toilets can improve hygiene standards. Public awareness campaigns, such as those by the Swachh Bharat Mission, are crucial for encouraging the use of these facilities. Scaling these efforts across cities can create equitable, hygienic urban spaces.
3.3. Condition of Public Transport and Mobility
Urban mobility systems are often not designed to account for gender-based differences in mobility patterns. Women are amongst the biggest users of public transport across Indian cities.
In general, cities work better for heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender men than they do for women, girls, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities. Key aspects of the built urban environment – related to access, mobility, safety and freedom from violence, health and hygiene, climate resilience, and security of tenure – create disproportionate burdens for women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities of all ages and abilities, thus exacerbating and reinforcing existing gender inequities.
Way forward to it
- Infrastructure, services, and pricing are the three key levers of gender-responsive public transport design. After forming an understanding of gender disaggregated mobility patterns at city level, urban local bodies, public transport agencies and other implementing agencies can deploy interventions across these three key levers to enhance safety and gender-inclusivity on public transport systems.
How can public transport services be designed to be gender-responsive?
- This involves leveraging gender disaggregated analysis of mobility patterns to provide services for women and persons of minority genders. Examples include expanding bus routes to places frequently visited by women, increasing bus services during “off-peak” times, introducing request bus-stop programs and providing emergency services for women in distress.
What kind of differentiated pricing policies help women users of public transport?
Differentiated fare policies, ranging from reduced fares during off-peak hours, subsidising specific routes with higher ridership of women, travel cards which do not penalise mode change, to free public transportation, aim to reduce the cost of travel for women. This can help, both in terms of reducing cost-related barriers for women’s travel, as well as to assuage the impact of the ‘pink tax.’
3.4. Condition of Parks and Recreational Spaces
Physical inactivity is more prevalent among women than men and is related to poor health outcomes. Neighborhood parks constitute an important resource for physical activity (PA), however, previous studies of park users have found fewer women being physically active. A staggering 80% of girls do not feel safe outside, with 31% expressing discomfort within public parks (Make Space for Us, 2022). A research report commissioned by Make Space for Girls has found that 92% of MUGA use is dominated by boys and men, and that overall, 90% of teenage play provision is male dominated. (Parkwatch Report, 2023). This is a disheartening reflection of the challenges women and marginalized gender identities encounter in these spaces. Issues such as harassment, inadequate lighting, and a lack of engaging activities contribute to a pervasive feeling of vulnerability and exclusion.
Way forward to it
- Creating gender-equal public parks and play spaces requires synergy with local councils, community organizations, policymakers, and the public.
- Open dialogues, diverse feedback, and community involvement serve as cornerstones in building truly inclusive spaces that cater to a spectrum of needs, interests, and aspirations.
- The realm of outdoor play spaces brims with boundless potential, and through collaborative effort, we can continue crafting spaces that create wonder for all. Embracing gender equality within public spaces signifies a monumental stride towards constructing a more equitable society for everyone.
References – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5753770/
https://jupiterplay.co.uk/news/promoting-inclusivity/
4. Views on Governance and Policy
By Divyasri SN
An examination of India’s current urban policies
Imagine walking home late at night while looking over your shoulder all the while on a dimly lighted street. For many women in India, this isn’t just an occasional worry but a daily reality. While the Smart Cities Mission aims to address such issues through technology-driven solutions like smart streetlights and CCTV cameras, the voices of women and marginalized groups often go unheard during the planning stages (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2021).
Similar to this, the AMRUT program, which aims to enhance urban infrastructure, has made great strides in constructing parks and sewage systems; yet, these projects frequently overlook the subtleties of establishing inclusive and secure environments for people of all genders. For example, many people, particularly women and transgender people, are unable to fully participate in public life in a park without proper illumination or functional restrooms (Rao & Sharma, 2022).
An important step toward guaranteeing equal access to public areas was the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Stories of social stigma, poor infrastructure, and prejudice, however, continue to show how much work needs to be done on the ground (NITI Aayog, 2023). In a similar vein, Nirbhaya Fund projects, including panic buttons on public transportation, frequently fail because of inadequate maintenance and little public awareness.
Finding Governance and Policy Implementation Gaps
Not with standing these policies’ noble goals, their actual application reveals a different picture. Consider the Nirbhaya Fund, which in 2023 had about 30% of its funds sitting unused (Economic and Political Weekly, 2023). This figure is more than just a statistic; it symbolizes the innumerable lives that have been jeopardized as a result of inefficiencies and delays in the bureaucracy. Diverse perspectives are frequently left out of policy creation, leading to solutions that ignore the realities that women and other marginalized groups experience.
5. Indian Cities Provide Insights
By Divyasri SN
Examples of Cities Implementing Gender-Inclusive Policies
Meet Priya, a young professional from Pune who used to hate going to work after dark. Her life has been significantly improved by Pune’s Suraksha Project, which brought about women-only buses and well-lit streets. Women like Priya now feel safer and more capable of navigating the city on their own thanks to these policies (Pune Municipal Corporation, 2023).
Bengaluru: Ayesha, a college student in Bengaluru, remembers how safety audits in her campus area revealed dangerous spots. These audits led to the installation of CCTV cameras and improved lighting, which significantly increased the area’s safety. Additionally, women-only bus services have given her a safe and dependable way to get around, particularly after hours (Bengaluru Smart City Initiative, 2023).
Limitations and Learnings
These Bengaluru and Pune examples demonstrate how focused interventions can make public areas safer and more welcoming. But there is still a long way to go. Large swaths of the cities remain unaffected by several projects that are still restricted to particular regions. Moreover, finance issues and cultural barriers frequently impede advancement. Although Priya and Ayesha believe that these improvements are a positive start, they envision a time when diversity is the standard rather than only a unique initiative.
Reference:
- Jagori (2010). Safe Cities Free of Violence against Women and Girls Initiative: Findings from the Delhi Baseline Survey.
- Economic Times (2022). “Bengaluru saves energy with smart LED streetlights.”
- Water Aid India (2020). State of Urban Sanitation in India
- Swachh Bharat Mission (2021). Annual Report on Urban Sanitation Initiatives.
6. Recommendations for Gender-Inclusive Urban Design
By Nandini Singh
6.1. Flexible Layouts-
Design adaptable spaces that challenge traditional segregation, such as unisex restrooms and shared community areas. These arrangements foster interaction while ensuring privacy and accessibility.
E.g.- Leading institutions like Infosys and IITs have implemented unisex restrooms, setting a benchmark for inclusivity.
6.2. Lighting and Safety-
Safety and security are paramount in public spaces. Well-lit streets, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and visible public places in India can make cities safer for women and marginalized groups.
E.g.- Cities like Kochi are reimagining metro stations with enhanced safety measures, better lighting, and ramps for people with disabilities.
6.3. Universal Access-
Incorporate ramps, elevators, tactile pathways, and wide doorways to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Universal design ensures that no one is excluded.
E.g.- Hyderabad’s People’s Plaza welcomes individuals from all genders, creating a safe and accessible community space.
Practical Implementation:
- Collaborate with stakeholders from diverse gender groups during the design phase.
- Use urban analytics to address gaps in safety and accessibility.
Cultural and Policy Shifts Needed:
Architectural inclusivity cannot exist in isolation—it requires cultural acceptance and policy-driven mandates.
1. Policy Advocacy
- Enforce regulations mandating gender-neutral facilities in public infrastructure.
- Implement urban planning guidelines for safer, well-lit streets and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
2. Community Engagement
Involving diverse voices—women, non-binary individuals, and marginalized communities—in the design process ensures spaces cater to real needs. Collaborative planning also fosters a sense of ownership, enhancing the sustainability of inclusive environments.
7. Conclusion
By Nandini Singh
In Berkeley, California in the 1970’s, a group of disability activists called the Rolling Quads began breaking up curbs and installing makeshift ramps onto sidewalks to demand better access for wheelchair users. What people did not expect was that when “curb cuts” were finally installed, wheelchair users were not the only beneficiaries. Indeed, people with strollers, heavy shopping, suitcases, or simply reduced mobility use curb cuts all the time — for many it is the preferable route. In the same way, a gender-inclusive city works better for everyone. A city in which women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities of all ages and abilities can get around easily and safely, participate fully in the workforce and in public life, and lead healthy, sociable, and active lives is a city that improves life for everyone.
Ultimately, gender inclusion is not really a burden or problem. It is an opportunity. Over half of the world’s population are women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities. Their needs, desires, knowledge, and skills are untapped resources for urban planners and designers and cities as a whole. Their economic opportunity, social inclusion, political participation, and yes — their ideas for how to better design and plan cities.
