Ensuring women’s right to the city

Source: The post is based on the article “Ensuring women’s right to the city” published in “The Indian express” on 9th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- social empowerment & GS2- social Justice

News: In this article author discusses the challenges women face in Indian cities due to lack of gender-responsive urban planning, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and equitable cities that prioritize women’s safety, freedom, and the recognition of unpaid care work.

What challenges do women face in Indian cities?

Women in Indian cities face:

Safety Concerns: 52% of women in a 2021 ORF study avoided education or jobs due to safety issues.

Longer Commutes: Women in Delhi travel 27 extra minutes for safer routes.

Public Transport Issues: Only 9% of women in an Ola study felt public transport was safe.

Higher Transport Costs: Women in Mumbai spend 21% more on transport due to safety and multiple tasks.

Low Employment: Only 20% of women are employed compared to 70% of men.

Unequal Care Burden: Women spend 297 minutes daily on housework; men spend 31.

Unpaid Work: Women contribute 3.26 billion hours of unpaid care work daily.

What should be done about it?

Gender-Responsive Urban Planning: Urban planning often ignores women’s economic and social realities, leading to exclusion and fear. Design cities that consider the needs of women, children, and the elderly.

Safety over Technocracy: Go beyond just CCTV and apps; adopt a holistic approach to women’s safety and inclusion.

Safer and affordable transportation: Improve public transport safety and affordability, considering that only 9% of women find it safe and women in Mumbai spend 21% more time on transport than men. Adopt successful measures like women-only transport, free buses, and helplines.

Recognize Care Work: Given women spend 297 minutes daily on housework, support and value their contributions.

Facilitate Care Infrastructure: Design urban spaces that prioritize childcare, healthcare, housing, parks, and leisure areas.

Community Involvement: Include diverse voices in policy-making, that echoes Jane Jacobs’ idea that cities should be created by everyone.

Cities for Well-being: Prioritize areas beyond production and consumption, focusing on overall well-being, like health and education.