INCLUSION IN PUBLIC SPACES — FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM – Chinmaya IAS Academy

Key Highlights

Gendered Spatial Control & Women’s Mobility:

India ranked 128/177 countries in the Women, Peace & Security Index 2023, indicating gender disparity.
NFHS-4 (2015-16): 54% of Indian women had mobility freedom, while 50% could access healthcare independently.
PLFS 2023-24: More than half of India’s female workforce remains outside due to safety concerns.

Challenges in Women’s Access to Public Spaces:

Public spaces serve as hubs for socio-economic life, yet women’s participation is restricted by safety concerns and patriarchal norms.
Street violence and harassment deter women from using these spaces freely.
Public spaces for women are often transitional (work-home commute) rather than for leisure or recreation.

The Issue of Safety & Legal Framework:

Violence in homes and public areas persists, reinforcing male dominance in urban spaces.
Legal systems remain weak, with low conviction rates for gender-based crimes.
Victim-blaming discourages women’s participation in public life.

Policy Recommendations for Gender-Inclusive Urban Spaces:

Better urban design: Well-lit streets, safe transport, gender-friendly infrastructure (toilets, seating areas, recreation zones).
Stronger law enforcement: Faster conviction, higher accountability for crimes in public spaces.
Community-driven solutions: Social campaigns to normalize women’s presence in leisure spaces.

Analysis & Way Forward

Breaking gendered spatial norms is crucial for women’s economic participation.
Policy-driven interventions and legal reforms can foster inclusive and safe urban environments.
Social narratives need to shift from fear-driven restrictions to active participation and reclaiming of spaces.

Mains Mock Question:

“How do gendered spatial controls impact women’s mobility and participation in public life? Suggest measures to make urban spaces more inclusive.”