Urban life is often thought of as a life full of freedom, expression and safety. Cities share a dream of education, healthcare and transport. Infrastructure based on facilitation and ease goes hand in hand with this modern dream. Whereas the reality isn’t the same for everyone. The way cities are designed delivers a quiet idea; the default user is a man. Many urban designs revolve around men’s convenience.
Urban designs are based on efficiency and effectiveness. Usually during rush hours, men and women both take public transportation, and some prefer to walk. You may think that these are the common designs, hence inclusive, but that’s not the case. For men it’s easier to travel alone and anywhere; it doesn’t matter what time it is. But women have to take precautions for it.
The bias is evident — an assumption that women don’t belong there. Hidden in minor designs, it makes women inconvenient, just enough that they feel hesitant. Women feel uncomfortable using public transport; they cannot navigate their way through deserted streets. Women who rely on cab services often report harassment during their trips.
Many measures are taken by women to ensure a safe trip. Safety gear, shared locations, safety apps, and shared rides — everything is done to stay safe. Such behaviour has an adverse effect on mental health, a constant state of paranoia, anxiety and fear of the unknown. If these precautions aren’t taken, the consequences are dire: harassment and bullying.
When cities are designed around men, they leave women out of it. Another great example here is public parks and metros. Public parks are often male-dominated. Men occupy the benches, machines, and tracks. If women ignore these situations, then they are often victims of unwanted attention and bullying. Such behaviour greatly demotivates women to never visit a public space again or be accompanied by friends or family. Said to be women-friendly, they unintentionally exclude women. For many women being in public requires constant calculation. Is this street well-lit? Is this route often taken? Is this area crowded? Poorly monitored situations often make women feel exposed and vulnerable. Another important aspect here is the victim blaming that comes with it. Many women don’t raise their voices against the injustice, and worse, some give into it.
Most of the infrastructure revolves around the 9-5 commute. In the older times men used to be the only breadwinners of the family. Previously associated with men, the routes were mainly for either work or business. Nowadays women have to run errands, pick kids up, go shopping and see family or friends. Transport designated for long routes without any stops in between makes it difficult for women.
These insights reveal that the city is built on patriarchal values and assumptions, which suggest that women travel less and men need to travel more. At surface level, these are minor inconsiderations, but they continue to have bigger impacts on women’s lifestyles. People often overlook these issues, but a deeper understanding reveals their role in perpetuating the patriarchal system.
Recognising this imbalance is the first step towards a better and rethought infrastructure. Guaranteeing women safe and exclusive places and operating in gender-neutral ways is the only way forward. All in all, there is a dire need to rethink infrastructure. Ensuring accessibility for women is crucial, not only in theory but also in real-life situations. Well-lit streets, safe public transport, security, and inclusive public spaces are crucial to make cities more accessible for women. Creating new designs isn’t just about the infrastructure alone; it’s about questioning the values that are deep-rooted in the society.