Making cities safer for women: UN report calls for radical rethink | UN News
Cities have an in-built bias against women, who overwhelmingly describe them as unsafe and unwelcoming. A UN report released on Monday, calls for a complete overhaul of city design, and for women to be more closely involved in urban planning.
Women-friendly solutions
The report, which was developed by global design and engineering company Arup, the University of Liverpool, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), draws on the voices and experiences of women around the world, as well as a thorough review of data and research.
There is a strong focus on solutions for decision-makers, and finding ways to
actively involve women at every stage of city design and planning, to ensure that cities work better for them, and are more resilient and inclusive.
Concrete recommendations include forming city-wide gender equality taskforces, education and development programmes, and creating design action plans.
Cooperation between city authorities and other stakeholders, such as businesses and civil society groups, is also cited as an important element in creating safer, equitable spaces for women and girls.
