Women-friendly cities: Why female urban planning brings more quality of life for everyone

Although women make up around half of the population, many cities have been designed primarily with male needs in mind. This can be seen in traffic planning, infrastructure and safety in public spaces. Women often have different mobility patterns, as they combine journeys for work, childcare and shopping. Urban planning that takes these needs into account would improve the quality of life for both women and men.

Urban researcher Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse emphasizes: “Urban planning is not neutral - it reflects social structures. If we plan more inclusively, everyone benefits.”

Challenges for women in the urban environment

Cities do not offer the same opportunities for all population groups. Women face specific challenges that are often overlooked: unsafe or poorly lit pathways, inadequate infrastructure for childcare and a lack of barrier-free routes for people with shopping, walking frames or baby carriages. These factors not only affect mobility, but also the feeling of safety and participation in urban life.

Designing safe and liveable cities

Gender-sensitive urban planning can ensure greater safety and quality of life for everyone with targeted measures. These include

- Better lighting on paths and squares

- Emergency contact points in public spaces

- Streets with good visibility and no nooks and crannies

- More safe and regular bus and train connections

- Awareness campaigns against harassment in public spaces

These measures not only create more safety, but also a greater sense of belonging and well-being in the city.

Mobility in everyday life: women need flexible transport planning

Women often combine several journeys - for example, the commute to work with a stop at the supermarket or daycare center. Public transportation should better accommodate these diverse mobility patterns. This means a functional mix of short routes, safe cycle paths and footpaths as well as networked mobility options.

“A city is particularly liveable when it takes into account the everyday realities of all people - not just those of a certain section of the population,” says Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse

Best practice: Vienna as a pioneer

The city of Vienna shows how gender-sensitive planning can work. There are safe sidewalks, well-lit parks and a needs-based infrastructure for care and mobility. Such concepts could also be adapted in other cities.

Commitment to a gender-equitable city

Citizens can also help to make their city more liveable and safer. They can get involved in citizens' forums, campaign for safe public spaces and report grievances. Only through inclusive planning that takes all needs into account can cities become fairer and more liveable for everyone.