Gender inclusive public space

A sense of safety is much more complex than avoidance of crime. For women, girls and gender diverse people, the daily inconvenience of having to consistently take a longer route home to avoid certain areas, hold their keys between their fists, having to carry a buggy up steps, or being underserved by public transport systems creates a daily low-level exposure to physical and psychological harm. This sends the message that public space is not ‘for’ us.

Feelings of safety in London have declined, and this is due to the specific experiences, needs, and realities of women, girls, and gender diverse people being excluded in urban development processes. It is essential that those who design, produce and deliver our public spaces and infrastructure feel informed about gender inclusion and can build it into the processes that create our city. This requires all of London’s public realm projects to take concerted action.

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