'Shall We Go Out?' - Women’s Safety in Public Spaces

A city needs to be imagined as a space occupied by diverse sets of people with diverse needs and aspirations. The quality of a city must be judged by what it offers its residents, workers and visitors—the right to live, move around, and work with dignity and safety.

Research from Marshalls shows that 84% of women feel more unsafe when out and about alone, compared to just 44% of men. This stark disparity highlights the reality of women’s safety that legislative progress and awareness campaigns have yet to change. 

The safety of women in public spaces remains a pressing issue in the UK, impacting not only women’s mobility and access to opportunities but also their overall quality of life.

The Current Landscape

Statistics paint a stark picture. A recent YouGov survey shows that over 70% of women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public (YouGov Survey). Only 3% of women aged 18–24 reported that they hadn’t experienced any form of gender-based assault or harassment. This is not just a local problem—almost 9 in 10 women in some cities around the world feel unsafe in public spaces. Public transport, parks, and urban centres have been identified as hotspots for harassment and assault. 

The issue is further compounded by societal norms that often shift the burden of responsibility onto women to “stay safe” rather than addressing the root causes of these threats.

What Makes Women Feel Unsafe in Public Spaces?

Public spaces are profoundly gendered in terms of both rights and access. Several factors contribute to the continued insecurity faced by women in public spaces:

1. Urban Design and Infrastructure: Features such as poor lighting, secluded areas, and inadequate surveillance heighten feelings of vulnerability. In contrast, well-lit and open spaces with clear visibility enhance perceptions of safety.

2. Social Environment: The presence of supportive community networks and active public spaces can reduce fear, whereas visible signs of disorder, such as vandalism or loitering, can increase anxiety.

3. Past Experiences and Awareness: Personal or vicarious experiences of harassment or assault can significantly impact an individual's sense of security. Awareness of local crime rates and media reports also plays a role in shaping perceptions.

4. Cultural and Societal Norms: Societal attitudes towards gender and the normalisation of certain behaviours influence how safe women feel in public spaces. Cultures that tolerate or trivialise harassment contribute to environments where women feel less secure.

A Shared Responsibility

Solutions must involve a collective approach that places responsibility on all members of society who use and shape public spaces.

This requires better urban planning, expanded surveillance, cultural change initiatives, and accessible reporting mechanisms. Improved lighting, active monitoring, educational campaigns to challenge harmful norms, and anonymous reporting tools can collectively foster a safer environment for women.

Women’s safety in public spaces is not a “women’s issue”; it is a societal concern. Governments, organisations, and communities must work together to dismantle the systemic barriers that threaten women’s freedom and safety. Only then can women fully access the rights of urban citizenship.