8th March 2025 (10 Topics)
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Inclusion in Public Spaces — from Fear to Freedom
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Context
India was ranked 128 out of 177 countries in the Women, Peace, and Security Index 2023, highlighting persistent gender inequality and safety concerns. On International Women’s Day, the focus shifts to a critical but overlooked issue—women’s accessibility to public spaces, which remains highly restricted due to patriarchal norms, safety risks, and structural barriers.
Gendered Spatial Control
- Restricted Mobility: According to NFHS-4 (2015-16), only 54% of women could visit markets alone, 50% accessed healthcare independently, and 48% could travel outside their village unaccompanied.
- Labour Force Participation: PLFS 2023-24 shows women’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) at 35.6%, indicating that more than half remain outside the workforce, limiting their engagement with public spaces.
- Purpose-Driven Public Presence: Women primarily use public spaces for commuting rather than leisure, reinforcing spatial restrictions and reducing their unrestricted participation in society.
Barriers to Women’s Presence in Public Spaces
- Limited Safe Spaces: Women are largely found in curated areas like malls, theatres, and cafes, avoiding open streets, bus stations, and public parks due to higher risks of harassment.
- Burden of Safety on Women: Societal norms dictate that women must self-regulate their behavior and avoid ‘risky’ spaces, rather than holding perpetrators accountable.
- Fear and Male Dominance: Everyday public spaces remain unwelcoming to women, where they must modify body language and behavior to conform to societal expectations, reducing their freedom.
Policy Interventions for Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces
- Urban Design for Safety: Improved street lighting, safe public toilets, street furniture, and recreational spaces can make cities more accessible for women.
- Stronger Legal Enforcement: Low conviction rates for gender-based violence in public spaces contribute to a culture of impunity, requiring stricter implementation of laws.
- Reclaiming Public Spaces: Women must actively engage in public spaces for leisure, challenging restrictive norms and fostering a shift towards gender-equal urban environments.
Practice Question
Q. Gendered spatial control limits women’s access to public spaces, reinforcing economic and social disparities. Discuss the role of urban planning, legal frameworks, and societal shifts in ensuring gender-inclusive public spaces in India.
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