Feminist approaches to urban design

While no single definition of “feminism” prevails, feminist perspectives share a belief that justice requires freedom and equality for women. These approaches argue that patriarchy-a social system that attaches power to masculine gender-disadvantages women. Gender shapes women’s experiences of public space. The oft-celebrated right to observe and mingle with strangers in public space, for example, is not shared equally among women and men. Women’s use and experience of public spaces differ significantly with race/ethnicity, culture, sexuality, age, and physical ability. Recent years have seen an increase in research on women’s use of public spaces around the world and especially in developing countries. For women of color, the notion of safety in urban environments is broader than the absence of assault or disorder. Safety also involves feeling welcome and accepted in a setting. Feminist urban designers and planners have undertaken several initiatives to enhance women’s safety in cities.