Inclusion in Public Spaces, from Fear to Freedom

Context

• India has long grappled with deep-rooted gender inequalities, and one of the most pressing concerns is the accessibility and safety of public spaces for women.
• The country ranks 128 out of 177 on the Women, Peace, and Security Index 2023, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
• While violence against women is often discussed in terms of domestic abuse and workplace harassment, one crucial yet overlooked aspect is how public spaces are designed, regulated, and experienced by women.

Gendered Spatial Control and Women’s Mobility

• Public spaces are not just areas of movement; they are critical zones where socio-economic and political life unfolds.
• However, these spaces remain largely male-dominated, reinforcing gendered spatial control that limits women’s mobility.
• Studies show that women’s access to public spaces is often dictated by necessity rather than choice.
• According to the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16), only 54% of Indian women could visit markets alone, while 50% could access healthcare facilities independently.
• Additionally, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women in 2023-24 stood at 35.6%, indicating that more than half of India’s female population remains outside the workforce.
• For working women, public spaces are primarily transitional, areas they pass through between home and work.
• Unlike men, who can freely loiter, socialise, or relax in public spaces, women’s presence is often restricted to function-driven activities.
• This limitation is not just a matter of convenience but a form of social exclusion that reinforces patriarchal norms.
• The idea that women must always have a purpose when outside their homes discourages them from fully engaging in public life.

A Detailed Analysis of the Issue of Safety and Women’s Restricted Access

• The Fear of Violence and Its Impact on Women’s Mobility
  • Public spaces are often considered unsafe for women due to the high prevalence of gender-based violence, including catcalling, stalking, groping, and more severe forms of assault.
  • This constant threat creates a culture of fear, leading women to develop defensive strategies when navigating public areas.
  • Many adopt behavioural modifications, such as:
    • Avoiding isolated areas, poorly lit streets, and public transportation at late hours.
    • Choosing specific routes that are deemed safer, even if they are longer or less convenient.
    • Walking briskly, avoiding eye contact, or regulating body language to minimize attention.
    • Dressing conservatively or modifying their appearance to avoid unwanted harassment.
  • These adaptations highlight how deeply ingrained the fear of violence is in women’s everyday lives.
  • Unlike men, who generally move freely in public spaces, women are conditioned to remain alert, cautious, and hyper-aware of their surroundings.
• The Role of Public Spaces in Gendered Violence
  • While violence against women is commonly associated with private spheres such as homes or workplaces, public spaces also play a significant role in perpetuating gender-based violence.
  • Open spaces, such as streets, parks, and bus stations, expose women to threats from multiple strangers rather than a single perpetrator, increasing their vulnerability.
  • Moreover, public transportation, a necessity for many working women and students, is a hotspot for harassment.
  • Cases of groping, inappropriate touching, and verbal abuse are widespread, making many women reluctant to use buses, trains, or other forms of shared transit.
  • The lack of adequate security measures, poorly lit stations, and inadequate seating arrangements further contribute to their insecurity.
• Social Perceptions and Victim-Blaming
  • One of the most significant barriers to addressing gendered violence in public spaces is the pervasive culture of victim-blaming.
  • Women who experience harassment or assault are often questioned about their actions, attire, or location at the time of the incident. Common responses include:
    • Why was she out so late at night?
    • What was she wearing?
    • She should have been more careful.
  • This shift in focus, from the perpetrator’s actions to the victim’s choices, not only discourages women from reporting crimes but also reinforces restrictive norms that confine them to private spaces.
  • The burden of safety is placed entirely on women, absolving men of responsibility and allowing gender-based violence to persist with minimal consequences.

The Consequences of Restricted Access

• Limited Economic Participation: Women are less likely to take up jobs that require late-night shifts, travel, or movement through unsafe areas, restricting their career options and financial independence.
• Reduced Social Engagement: Women’s participation in recreational activities, social events, and community gatherings is often limited, leading to social isolation.
• Psychological Impact: Constant vigilance and fear of harassment contribute to stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of freedom and autonomy.

The Way Forward: A Need for Change at Both Societal and Policy Level

• Urban Design Improvements: Well-lit streets, accessible public toilets, and open recreational areas with visible security measures can create safer environments.
• Stronger Legal Frameworks: Faster legal proceedings, higher conviction rates for offenders, and stricter penalties for crimes against women can serve as deterrents.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating men and society as a whole about gender-based violence, consent, and respect for women in public spaces is essential.
• Encouraging Women’s Presence: Women must be encouraged to reclaim public spaces, engage in leisure activities, and break the cycle of fear and restriction.

Conclusion

• While centuries of patriarchal control cannot be dismantled overnight, meaningful change begins with small but consistent efforts.
• The fight for women’s right to public spaces is not just about safety but about equity and autonomy.
• Public spaces should be inclusive environments where women can move freely, without restriction or fear.
• By reshaping both the built environment and societal attitudes, India can work towards a future where women are no longer just passing through public spaces but actively reclaiming and owning them.

Q1. Why do women often modify their behavior in public spaces?

Ans. Women modify their behavior due to the fear of harassment, assault, and gender-based violence, leading them to avoid certain areas or regulate their actions.

Q2. How does victim-blaming affect women’s access to public spaces?

Ans. Victim-blaming shifts the focus from perpetrators to women’s choices, discouraging them from reporting crimes and reinforcing restrictive norms.

Q3. What are some key consequences of restricted access to public spaces for women?

Ans. Limited economic participation, reduced social engagement, and psychological stress due to constant vigilance and fear.

Q4.  What role does urban design play in making public spaces safer for women?

Ans. Well-lit streets, accessible public toilets, and visible security measures help create safer and more inclusive environments.

Q5. What is a better approach to ensuring women’s safety in public spaces?

Ans. Instead of restricting women’s movement, efforts should focus on stronger legal enforcement, public awareness, and encouraging women to reclaim public spaces. 

Source:The Hindu