Don't stay out alone

Don't stay out alone Addressing women's safety and its perception in cities by design.

Honours Programme Master

WERONIKA JADWIGA ZDZIARSKA Honours Programme Master of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment Research group on Spatial Justice at the Department of Urbanism TU Delft Tutoring researchers: Roberto Rocco, Caroline Newton 2021-2023

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Contents

RELEVANCE AND MOTIVATION

03

POSTER OF THE RESEARCH IDEA

04

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

06

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND fl SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE

10

RESEARCH QUESTION AND CASE STUDIES

12

INTERVENTIONS FOR EVALUATION

14

METHODOLOGY

18

REFLECTIONS ON ARCHITECTURAL ETHNOGRAPHY

19

REFLECTION ON MY POSITION AS A RESEARCHER

20

RESEARCH SUBQUESTIONS AND IDEAS FOR METHODS

21

RESEARCH PLAN, SPECIFIC METHODS AND CONTACTS

24

PROJECT TIME PLAN

40

BIBLIOGRAPHY

42

3

Relevance and motivation

Figure 1

México: Protestas en el Día Internacional de la Mujer

Women's experience and perception of safety VIOLENCE, EXPERIENCE OF FEAR AND PERCEPTION OF DANGER AFFECT WOMEN'S SOCIAL PARTICIPATION ON EQUAL RIGHTS IN PUBLIC SPACES, THEIR ACTIVITY, MOBILITY AND WELL-BEING.

Chile: Protestas en el Día Internacional de la Mujer

With this project, I aim to explore the

disproportionate burdens for women,

relationships between gender inequal-

affecting their mobility, access to pub-

ity and design. A city is more than just

lic space and activity. Women’s social

a physical place composed of build-

participation on equal terms is not only

ings, roads, squares, parks, and pub-

restricted by the objective danger, but

lic spaces. It is also a social and emo-

also by perception of fear and distress.

tional space, where some are feeling

(Stanko, 1990; Kern, 2021). Fear is an ob-

welcome, belonging, and secure while

jective reality, but it is also often em-

others are being afraid, distressed, and

phasized and amplified by the pres-

marginalized. Women are excluded

sure coming from social constructs.

from certain parts of cities when they

The social construction of fear is man-

are inappropriately planned and de-

ifested in the gendered division of

signed from the point of view of safe-

space. Women feel they are authorized

ty or its perception. Understanding

to go to some places while their pres-

which factors affect their experience is

ence is less allowed in others. (Condon

important not only because it affects

et al., 2007) A better understanding

people's well-being but also because it

of factors that successfully evoke the

influences the long-term sustainability

sensation of safety and freedom, and

of a city. Architects and spatial plan-

of belonging to a place or owning a

ners can contribute to closing the gen-

certain space, is crucial for achieving

der gap by intervening on public spac-

equity in cities by means of design.

es and promoting positive change.

Honours Programme Master

Figure 2

Unsafe cities around the world create

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

4

Research idea poster

5

NE

N OF

cultural architecture

Medellín, Columbia

Variables affecting perception o

(Me muevo segura, Development Bank of Latin Ame

Manrique, Santo Domingo Savio

Medellín joined the UN program as the first city in Columbia. It was once infamous as the most dangerous city in the world. The city pioneered “urban acupuncture” improving accessibilty, mobility and access to facilities by small-scale interventions.

The regeneration was largly connected with culture in public space and buildings.

quality of public transport system

suffic light

adequate number of people

qual path

stainable we live in he resen. Unsafe their mo-

ortant to nce and materialiof traffic, ation on t also by contribuntions is

Quito, Ecuador transport

Parada Villa Flora, Parada Colina, Parada Plaza del Teatro, Parada Colón

community facilities

s carried also to d design

Santiago, Chile intervenMedellín,

squares

Cumming, Padre Mariano 140, Santo Domingo, Morando 83

In Santiago de Chile urban safety was improved with the focus on flexible interventions in abandonded urban squares’. In suburban neighborhoods the “Night squares project” was launched to recover public spaces for women also during night hours, by adding lights, outdoor markets, and sports equipment.

uras para

public/private security

Honours Programme Master

Quito is one of five founding cities of the UN initiative. Ten years ago, in the scoping study women identified the public transportation as unsafe, so the plan emphasized changes mostly in this area. Trolley stops were remodelled and secure waiting areas were provided.

greenery o visi

mixed pres

How women feel when alone i (Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana)

2%

very safe

18% safe

17% unsafe

d to:

nd quantid a bibliooups, and hrough an

n of good y through

I lived in. it was not ted to the

Which factor affects the perc (Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana)

parks

Montevideo, Uruguay Parque Rodó, Parque Batlle

The capital of Urugay joined the UN’s project in 2018. One of the major interventions was focused on regenerating urban parks - spaces reported as particularly salient in terms of safety issues in women's discourse. The areas were cleaned and redesigned with new urban furniture and light.

21% debris, ga 11% construction site

6

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Research proposal - summary

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S SAFETY AND ITS PERCEPTION IN CITIES BY DESIGN. EVALUATION OF PREVIOUS INTERVENTIONS AIMED AT IMPROVING WOMEN'S SAFETY IN PUBLIC SPACES OF MEDELLÍN, QUITO, SANTIAGO DE CHILE AND MONTEVIDEO.

This research proposal is the result of my preparation within the

gender inequalities, both in the public and private spheres.

Honours Programme Master at Delft University of Technology.

Violence and discrimination against women in the urban

My subject of interest is the experiences of women struggling

space results in socio-spatial fragmentation. Understanding

to ensure their freedom and visibility in urban spaces in Latin

which factors affect the experience of women's freedom in

America, and the impact of policies and interventions aimed

the city is important not only because it influences people's

to improve safety through architectural and urban design de-

well-being but also because it contributes to the long-term

cisions. In this study, I look at the long-term impact of the in-

social sustainability of a city.

terventions in public space, introduced through policies and design actions. My exploration concerns both actual and per-

Theoretical background

ceived safety. To this purpose I use policy listing and refer to the experiences of women's groups in four South American cities

350 words

- Medellín, Quito, Santiago de Chile and Montevideo.

Relevance and motivation Cities around the world place a disproportionate burden on

Participatory workshops can offer access to local knowl-

women, affecting their mobility, access to public space and

edge that is otherwise difficult to access.

participation. Women’s activity is not only restricted by the objective danger, but also by perception of fear and distress.

(Stanko, 1990; Kern, 2021). Fear is an objective actuality, but it is also commonly accentuated and reinforced by pressures arising from social constructs, manifested in the gendered division of space. Women feel that they are entitled to be in some locations, while in others their presence is less encouraged. (Condon et al., 2007) My claim is that they are excluded from certain parts of cities when these are inadequately planned and designed from the perspective of safety or its perception. The city, as a social space, is profoundly related to

7

Research questions The main research question which I aim to address through this research project can be formulated as follows: What can we learn from evaluating the long-term impact of the interventions implemented in the case study cities on the actual and perceived safety of women? With this knowledge, how can architects and spatial planners contribute to achieving gender equality in cities?

I identified five areas within which the specific research sub-questions can be located: 1. Relevance and general perception of the researched prob-

How important is the topic of women's safety in Latin America?

Which is the perception of the safety of a larger community?

Problem statement

Which emotions do men and women associate with the daily life of women in public space?

The long-term impact of interventions and policies aimed at improving safety of women in the cities is rarely eval-

2. Patterns of behaviour and attitude of men and wom-

uated. Assessment of the ideas introduced in the past is

en in public space:

relevant for understanding the challenges related to in-

cluding the concept of spatial justice and equality into

Which are the patterns of use of places and gendered division

policymaking.

interdiscipli-

of space near the evaluated sites? How do women describe

nary study of the impact of the previous projects few

Through

multifaceted

and

their perception of the city, which points most often feel un-

years after their completion, I aim to suggest possible sets

safe? Do they have a sense of freedom, belonging or owner-

of indicators and good practices for the future policies.

ship and is their neighbourhood part of their identity?

I put attention not only to the actual crime rates, but also

3. Awareness of the interventions aimed at improving safety

to the impact of those interventions on perceived safety.

among the local community

Through research, I want to understand which goals of the interventions were achieved, which of the tools proved to be

Does the community recognize the previous interventions?

successful, and what could have been improved or changed.

Which design changes influencing safety in the area can the

The study is based on a critical review of previous interven-

community notice? Which places are symbolic for the local

tions carried out by on international (UN Women’s „Safe Cit-

community of the violence against women and why those?

ies and Safe Public Spaces”), regional („Ciudades sin violencia para las mujeres, ciudades seguras para tod@s”) and local

4. Attitude towards the design changes resulting from the pre-

(municipal) level.

vious interventions among the residents:

Honours Programme Master

lem in the context of Latin America:

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

8

fluence the results. My methodology will include methods inWhich is the long term effect of the projects implemented

spired by architectural approach, which is useful for decoding

in the case study cities to improve women’s safety? Which

spatial features and understanding of change.

is the physical condition of the places of intervention after a few years, and how do people experience them? Are the

I will dedicate four weeks to each of the case study cities. The

changes maintained?

initial phase will consist of the analysis of an online survey results, which I will send prior to travel. The survey will be a

5. Indications for integrating spatial justice into policy-mak-

fixed format questionnaire aimed to make comparisons be-

ing and design requirements:

tween the experience among different gender groups and in different sites of a larger amount of people. Questions will be

Which is the political and institutional context of the prob-

related to the experience of safety in cities and the evaluated

lem and how can policies be improved? Which could be the

interventions. I will gather additional responses to it on-site,

indications for integrating social justice into policy-making

through a printed version of the questionnaire. To gain under-

coming from the local women? Which design features and

standing of a broader political, social and urban context, I will

changes in the organization of urban space are perceived by

use policy listing and desk research. The second phase will

women as affecting the safety of a place and can be seen as

consist of observations and mapping, followed by semi-struc-

good practices?

tured in-depth interviews with experts and residents. A flexible question framework will be used during the interviews

Finally, I will also reflect on my external perspective as an out-

as an outline tool to help elicit womens’ daily experiences,

sider and a new participant in space. What do I notice, and

problems and priorities. The framework will be formed by

how do I feel? How is this experience different and how is it

main categories and example question. The third week will be

similar to my usual context?

devoted to experimental and participatory research methods, workshops and group activities with the residents, designed

Methodology

specifically for each of the case study cities. The workshops will be facilitated by visual methods like photography and

The main source of information for my study will be qualita-

drawing, as well as architectural tools like maquettes, sketch-

tive data gather from interviews and workshops with the res-

es or collages. The final stage of the process will be dedicating

idents of case study areas, and in-depth interviews with ex-

to documentation and critical reflection about the data gath-

perts specializing in the topic of gender-based violence from

ered in the previous weeks, identification of knowledge gaps

the disciplines of urban planning, architecture, criminology,

and final observations. All steps will be described in a research

psychology, sociology and related fields. This data will give

diary. The results of the research project will be presented in

me insights on the perception of safety and freedom or dan-

a report including indications for integrating gender equality

ger and distress among women. I will also use available quan-

into policy-making, and a set of good practices within spatial

titative data regarding the actual crime rates, and differenc-

planning and architectural design.

es in mobility and activity of women and men, to enrich the understanding of this complex problem. During fieldwork, I

Reflexivity and my situated position

will gather both experimental data, collected through participatory workshops, and descriptive data gathered through

An important part of the methodology is to consider my

observations. As my methodology will be inspired by archi-

role in the research in relation to the topic. Theoretical back-

tectural ethnography and anthropology, which are interpre-

ground provides me with useful and important resources

tive and less controlled, I will need to reflect on my position

through which to reflect on my position in the research. My

as researcher and architecture student, and how it might in-

position as a women, who experienced fear and violence in

9

public space herself, stands for a personal motivation for the research and makes me connected directly to the women’s experiences which I want to research. However, as I come from Poland and I have always lived in European countries, I am also conducting the research as an outsider in the context of Latin American cities. Therefore I need to rely on the interviewees' view on their neighborhoods and their willingness to share information with me. Thanks to the opportunity to spend four months in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Uruguay, I hope to build a closer direct understanding of the context. I do not aim claim to speak for universal Latin American women’s experiences but I hope to provide an insight into the problem and to assess the effectiveness of design solutions in improving women's safety in case study cities by presenting the direct feelings of their female residents.

Discussing this research topic can pose several threats to the ization. I consider it imperative to understand and familiarize myself with ethical research guidelines concerning the topic of violence against women Since most of my research methods are qualitative it is important to document the process thoroughly. Making notes of my reflexive ideas and thoughts in a diary during the research process, and then discussing this in the research report, is crucial to me.

The research proposal is described further in detail in the following chapters of this document.

References

Honours Programme Master

safety of research subjects, including the threat of re-victim-

10

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Theoretical background VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN LATIN AMERICA

WOMEN'S SAFETY, DESIGN AND URBANISM

Segato, R. L. (2020). La Guerra contra Las Mujeres. Prometeo Libros.

Ceccato., V., & Nalla, M. K. (Eds.). (2020).

Crime and fear in public places: Towards safe, inclusive and sustainable cities.

ROUTLEDGE.

Rivas Monje, F., Zunino Folle, M. (2019).

Violencia de Género contra las mujeres en América latina. (41), 022. https://doi. org/10.24215/24689912e022

Falú, A. (2009).

Mujeres en la ciudad: De violencias y derechos.

Red Mujer y Hábitat de América Latina.

Mesa, M., & Aravena, R. F. (2008).

(In)Seguridad y violencia en América Latina: un reto para la democracia.

Pensamiento Iberoamericano.

Toro Jiménez, J., & Ochoa Sierra, M. (2017). Violencia de Género y Ciudad: Cartografías Feministas del Temor y el miedo. Sociedad y Economía, 65–84. https://doi.org/10.25100/sye.v0i32.3878

Rettberg, A. (2020). Violencia en América Latina hoy: Manifestaciones E impactos.

Revista De Estudios Sociales, (73), 2–17. https://doi.org/10.7440/res73.2020.01

Kern, L. (2021). City of Fear. In Feminist City claiming space in a man-made world (pp. 142–166). Verso.

11

POLICIES AND INTERVENTIONS TO ELIMINATE VIOLENCE

ARCHITECTURAL ETHNOGRAPHY, METHODS OF FIELDWORK

Ingold, T. (2013). Making: Anthropology, archaeology, art and architecture.

Routledge.

Segovia Marín, O. (2020) Programa ciudades y espacios públicos seguros para mujeres y niñas en América Latina: informe de resultados. Panamá, ONU Mujeres

Stender, M. (2016). Towards an architectural anthropology—what architects can learn from anthropology and vice versa. Architectural Theory Review, 21(1), 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/13264826.

2016.1256333

Roza, V., & Martín, C. (2021). Violencia sexual y basada en género: Mapa de Ruta para su prevención y atención en América Latina y El CaribeBanco Interamericano De Desarrollo. División De Género y Diversidad. https://doi.org/10.18235/0003819

Ellsberg, M., & Heise, L. (2005). Researching violence against women. World Health Organization.

Albaine, L. (2020). Violencia contra las mujeres en política en América Latina: Mapeo legislativo y proyectos parlamentarios.

ONU Mujeres & OEA/CIM.

Rose, G. (2016). Visual methodologies.

London: Sage Publications

Honours Programme Master

UN WOMEN (2019). Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls Global Flagship Initiative: International Compendium of Practices. New York: UN WOMEN

12

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Research question

What can we learn from evaluating the long-term impact of the interventions implemented in the case study cities on the actual and perceived safety for women?

With this knowledge, how can architects and spatial planners contribute to achieving gender equality in cities?

I focus on the continent of

Safe Public Spaces”), regional

South America because there

(„Ciudades sin violencia para

is a strong commitment in

las mujeres, ciudades seguras

the area to improve safety for

para tod@s”) and local (mu-

women, and many interven-

nicipal) level. I selected four

tions have already been im-

cities, representative of differ-

plemented there. The prob-

ent attitudes and responses to

lem I see is that the long-term

the research topic — Medellín,

impact of those and similar

Quito, Santiago, and Montevi-

projects is rarely being eval-

deo. In each of them, I focus

uated. I believe that many

on a different intervention re-

lessons can be learned from

lated to the design of streets,

a multifaceted and interdisci-

parks, squares, transport, or

plinary study of the influence

art and cultural buildings.

of those projects, few years after their completion. I put

How important is the top-

attention not only to the actu-

ic of women's safety in Latin

al crime rates, but also to the

America? Which is the long

impact of those interventions

term-effect of the projects im-

on perceived safety. Through

plemented in the case cities

research, I want to understand

to improve women’s safety?

which goals of the interven-

Are the previous interventions

tions were achieved, which

recognized by the commu-

of the tools proved to be suc-

nity? Which is the condition

cessful, and what could have

of the spaces of action now,

been improved or changed.

how people experience them?

The methodology of my re-

What could still be improved?

search is based on a critical re-

Which could be the indica-

view of previous interventions

tions for integrating social jus-

carried out by on international

tice to policy making coming

(UN Women’s „Safe Cities and

from the local women?

DON’T STAY OUT 13ALONE ADRESSING WOMEN’S PERCEPTION OF SAFETY IN CITIES BY DESIGN

cultural architecture

Closing gaps between men and women is central to the sustainable development goals. Design decisions shape the environment we live in and have an important role in the social transformation. In the research, I focus on the crucial aspect of safety and its percpetion. Unsafe cities create disproportionate burdens for women, afffecting their mobility, access to public space and activity.

MEDELLÍN

TAY OUT ALONE

OMEN’S PERCEPTION OF IES BY DESIGN

SANTIAGO In Santiago de Chile urban safe-

transport on flexible interventions Medellín, Columbia

ty was improved with the focus in aban-

TAY OUT ALONE

OMEN’S PERCEPTION OF IES BY DESIGN

„Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces” ) in Medellín,

olencia para las mujeres, ciudades seguras para o evaluate the previous interventions carried ional and local organizations. It is also to ba ships between gender inequality and design ces to build more inclusive cities. cus on one area of intervention, related to:

ban art. n a critical review of already implemented interveneevaluation levels: will be based on qualitative and quantiect data through surveys, interviews and a biblio„Safe Cities and Safeaudit Public Spaces” ) in Medellín, communities in safety walks, focus groups, and cribe my personal, external perspective through an olencia para las mujeres, ciudades seguras para

ba will prepare a report including a collection of good e the relevant topic of equity and safety through cus onwith onelocal areaarchitects of intervention, related to: rence and activists.

tivation ban art.

nced genderwill based violence in the cities I lived in. evaluation be based on qualitative and quantid not to stay out alone, andinterviews I knew where not ect data through surveys, anditawas biblioear in the city, its audit perception toand the ommunities inand safety walks, was focusrelated groups, ded cribeme. my personal, external perspective through an

research-based design decisions, we can improve them equallya accessible for all. a collection of good will prepare report including e the relevant topic of equity and safety through

Parada Villa Flora, Parada Colina, Parada Plaza del Teatro, Parada Coló

Variables affecting perc (Me muevo segura, Bank Quito is one of five founding cities of Development the UN initia

Manrique, Santo Domingo Savio unsafe, so the plan emphasized changes mostly cultural“urban architecture acupuncture” ban neighborhoods the “Night stops were remodelled and secure waiting areas Aim - improving accessibility, mobility squares project” was launched to pioneered

Medellín joined the UN program as the first city in Columbia. It was once infamous as the most dangerous city in the world. The city pioneered “urban acupuncture” improving accessibilty, mobility and access to facilities by small-scale interventions.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the previous interventions carried was larglyrecover connected with culture in public space and and access to facilities by small- The regeneration public spaces forbuildings. women

demonstrate the relationships between gender inequality and design scale interventions. The regeneraand to lay out best practices to build more inclusive cities.

also during night hours, by adding

tion was connected with culture in

lights, outdoor markets, and sports

public space and buildings.

equipment.

Method

cultural architecture

Medellín, Columbia Manrique, Santo Domingo Savio Quito, Ecuador squares

The research will be based on a critical review of already implemented interventions by organizations of three levels:

Parada Villa Flora, Parada Colina, Parada Plaza del Teatro, Parada Colón

- international (UN Women’s „Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces” in Medellín, Medellín)joined the UN program as the first city in Columbia. It was once infamous Quito and Montevideo as the most dangerous city in the world. The city pioneered “urban acupuncture” improving accessibilty, seguras para mobility and access to facilities by small-scale interventions.

- regional („Ciudades sin violencia para las mujeres, ciudades The regeneration was largly connected with culture in public space and buildings. tod@s” ) in Santiago - local (municipal) in Curitiba Quito is one of five founding cities of the UN initiative. Ten years ago, in the scoping study women identified the public transportation as In each of the cities I will focus on one area of intervention, related to: plan emphasized changes mostly in this area. Trolley unsafe, so the stops were remodelled and secure waiting areas were provided.

1. streets and passages, 2. parks, 3. squares, 4. transport, 5. cultural buildings and urban art.

transport

Quito, Ecuador

The methodology used in the evaluation will be based on qualitative and quantitative techniques. I will collect data through surveys, interviews and a bibliographic review. I will engage communities in safety audit walks, focus groups, and social mapping. I will also describe my personal, external perspective through an illustrated travel diary.

Parada Villa Flora, Parada Colina,QUITO parks Parada Plaza del Teatro, Parada Colón

transportSTAY OUT ALONE Santiago, Chile DON’T MONTEVIDEO

At the end of the research, I will prepare a report includingQuito a collection is oneofofgood five founding cities of the UN initiative. Ten years ago, in

quality of public transport system

Santiago, Chile Variables affecting perc

Cumming, Padre Mariano 140, adequate number Santo Domingo, Morando 83 of people

(Me muevo segura, Development Bank

In Santiago de Chile urban safety was improved w flexible interventions in abandonded urban square neighborhoods the “Night squares project” was la quality of public public spaces for women also during night hours, transport system outdoor markets, and sports equipment. community facilities

Honours Programme Master

s of crime and violence are important to so far has been put to the confidence and affected by spatial design, lighting, materialin the built environment, the level of traffic, nagement. Women’s social participation on estricted by the objective danger, but also by istress. Understanding factors that contribuy and analysis of succesfull interventions is y in cities by means of design. en and women is central to the sustainable n decisions shape the environment we live in ole in the social transformation. In the reseal aspect of safety and its percpetion. Unsafe nate burdens for women, afffecting their moo evaluate the previous interventions carried ace and activity. ional and local organizations. It is also to ships inequality and design s of between crime andgender violence are important to cesfar to has buildbeen moreput inclusive so to thecities. confidence and affected by spatial design, lighting, materialin the built environment, the level of traffic, nagement. Women’s social participation on estricted by the objective danger, but also by istress. Understanding factors that contribuy and analysis of succesfull interventions is citiesreview by means of design. ny aincritical of already implemented intervene levels:

Quito, Ecuador

doned urban squares. In subur- the scoping study women identified the public tra

out by international, regional and local organizations. It is also to

en and women is central to the sustainable n decisions shape the environment we live in ole in the social transformation. In the reseal aspect of safety and its percpetion. Unsafe nate burdens for women, afffecting their moace and activity.

Manrique, Santo Domingo Savio

Medellín joined the UN program as the first city in Columb as the most dangerous city in the world. The city pioneer improving accessibilty, mobility and access to facilities by The regeneration was largly connected with culture in pu

Topic Case studies

While objective measures of crime and violence are important to address, little attention so far has been put to the confidence and feelings and how they are affected by spatial design, lighting, materialiMedellín joined the UN program ty, presence of nature in the built environment, the level of traffic, and waste management. Women’s social participation on ashygiene the first city in Columbia. It was equal terms is not only restricted by the objective danger, but also by perceptions of fear and distress. Understanding factors that contribuonce infamous as the most dante to the feeling of safety and analysis of succesfull interventions is crucial to achieving cities by means of design. gerous city in equity the inworld.

The city

Medellín, Columbia

gr

adequate number of people public/private security

Montevideo, Uruguay Parque Rodó, Parque Batlle

How feel when Medellín, Columbia The capital of Urugay joined thewomen UN’s project in 2

interventions was focused on regenerating urban Cumming, Padre Mariano designcapital practices. Toofpublicize the relevant topic of the equitythe andscoping safety through study women identified the public as The Uruguay joined Quito is140, one of transportation five founding cities Manrique, as particularly Santo salient inDomingo terms of safety issues in Savio

ADRESSING WOMEN’S PERCEPTION OF cultural architecture very safe 2% with design, I will organize a conference with local architects andunsafe, activists.so the plan emphasized changes mostly in this area. Trolley squares Santo Domingo, Morando 83 new urb stops were remodelled and secureUN waiting areas were Ten provided.

UN’s project in 2018.

One of the maof the initiative. years ago, areas were cleaned and redesigned SAFETY IN CITIES BY DESIGN community 18% safgr In Santiago de Chile urban safety was improved with the focus on

(Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana

Medellín joined the UN program as the first city in Columb as the most dangerous city in the world. The city pioneer

jor interventions was focused on flexible interventions in abandonded in the scoping study women iden- improving accessibilty, mobility and facilities access to facilities by urban squares’.

In suburban

Topic motivation Personal

the “Night squares project” was launched to recover regenerating urban parks - spaces neighborhoods tified the public transportation as public spaces for women also during night hours, by adding lights,

The regeneration was largly connected with culture in pu

17% uns

markets, and sports equipment. reported particularly salient in outdoor unsafe, so the plan emphasized Closing gapsas between men and women is central to the sustainable

As a women, I goals. have experienced gender based in the citieswe I lived development Design decisions shapeviolence the environment live in. in Since I was I was warned notintothe stay out alone, and I knew where it was not terms ofaangirl safety issues insocial women's changes mostly in this area. Trolley Which factor affects t and have important role transformation.

In the rese(Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana public/private safe me to go. often felt fear in the city, and itsand perception was related to the arch,forI focus on Ithe crucial aspect of safety its percpetion.

Unsafe security quality of spacedisproportionate that surrounded discourse.

The areasme. were cleaned stops were remodeled and secure cities create burdens for women, afffecting their mobility, access to public space and activity.

I strongly believe that with with research-based decisions, we can improve and redesigned newdesign urban waiting areas were provided.

How women feel when safety our cities and make them for all. are important to (Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana While inobjective measures of equally crime accessible and violence furniture and light.so far has been put to the confidence and address, little attention de very safe feelings and how they are affected by spatial design, lighting, materialiCuritiba, thanks to its innovative, pedestrian-orien ty, presence of nature in the built environment, the level of traffic, became a model for sustainable development.

In 2 construc saf hygiene and waste management. Women’s social participation on urban safety was improved with the focus on safety study was carried out. Some of the most s In Santiago de Chile equal terms is not only restricted by the objective danger, also by in abandonded urban squares’. In suburban were related to streets and passages and introdu flexible but interventions perceptions of fear and distress.

Understanding factors that contribuneighborhoods the “Night squares project” was launched to recover Studies in Architecture equipped me with tools for analysing and representing te the complexities. feeling of safety and analysis of succesfull iswomen Theinterventions capital of for Urugay joined UN’snight project in 2018.

One oflights, the major public spaces alsothe during hours, by adding theto spatial Quito is one of five founding cities of the UN initia unsa crucial to achieving equity in cities by means of design. interventions wasand focused regenerating urban parks - spaces reported the scoping study women identified the public tra outdoor markets, sportsonequipment. as particularly salient in terms of safety issues in women's discourse. The unsafe, so the plan emphasized changes mostly As an volunteer and educator, I have leadership skills and experience with organiareas were cleaned and redesigned with new urban furniture and light. zing focus groups and community meetings. stops were remodelled andWhich secure waiting areasth factor affects

squares Personal parks skills

Santiago, Chile streets Cumming, Padre Mariano 140, Santo Domingo, Morando 83

Montevideo, Uruguay Parque Rodó, Parquetransport Batlle

Curitiba, Brasil

Rua 24 horas, Rua XV de Novembro

Quito, Ecuador2% 21%

Parada Villa Flora, Parada11% Colina, 18% Parada Plaza del Teatro, Parada Coló

17%

Aim Knowing the languages spoken in the selected countries will allow me for a pro-

blem-free interaction withislocals.

The aim of this study to evaluate the previous interventions carried out by international, regional and local organizations. It is also to demonstrate the relationships between gender inequality and design and to lay out best practices to build more inclusive cities.

Montevideo, Uruguay Parque Rodó, Brasil Parque Batlle Curitiba,

(Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana

21% de 11% construc

parks Method Santiago, Chile The capital of Urugay joined the UN’s project in 2018. One of the major streets Rua 24 horas, Rua XV de Novembro The research will be based on a critical review of already implemented interveninterventions was focused on regenerating urban parks - spaces reported Cumming, Padre Mariano 140, tions by organizations of three levels:

as particularly salient in terms of safety issues in women's discourse. The

14

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Interventions for evaluation Medellín, Columbia UN PROGRAM "SAFE CITIES AND SAFE PUBLIC SPACES"

2015

In Comuna 3 – Manrique, in 2015, a pilot project of the Programa Ciudades Seguras y Espacios Públicos para Mujeres y Niñas, guided by 4 components: to see, to understand, to transform, and to operate (ver, comprender, transformer y gestionar). It included several processes: - Informative actions were introduced in public transport, with graphics and videos created by women and girls from Comuna 3. Through them, they discussed with the community about distress and anxiety about sexual violence which they experience in public transport and in the barrios. They highlighted the negative effects of SH in public spaces, including fear and feelings of discomfort, humiliation, shame, and embarrassment. In total 249 visual pieces were distributed in 40 public buses, reaching more than 1,500 commuters.

- Theatrical and communication technique “Invisible theatre” was used to increase awareness among men and women community members in non-traditional educational sites. This technique has been widely used in the Latin America during repressive political contexts or military dictatorships to show oppression in everyday life through a theatrical performance in a place where the audience would not normally expect to see one. After the performance, the actors carried out a debriefing session to reflect on the normalization and acceptance of sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women and girls in different contexts and invite community members to create a new normal.

- Bars and night clubs were identified by women participants in the scoping study as spaces where women frequently experience SH and other forms of SV. As a result, a list of 28 business centers in the Communa 3 were identified, and front line workers were trained as active bystanders. In total, 102 staff were trained on the definition of sexual harassment, how to spot and safely intervene when they see SH. As a result of this initiative, a strong partnership was developed with the bar industry. A ‘Will Contract’ was endorsed between the local government and 28-night business points deciding to create secure spaces for women and girls both in the interior and exterior space of their bars.

- Intervention on the public space were carried out. Some of them focused on parks of the Comuna 3, which were considered unsafe by women and girls, directed on improving visibility and organization of space. These actions were accompanied by cultural and symbolic interventions, which are an important tool in promoting the consensus of a community in a need to address this problematic and help the process of creating policies for prevention and eradication of gender-based violence.

- Evaluation of the program on intervention sites was planned for 2020.

15

Quito, Ecuador UN PROGRAM "SAFE CITIES AND SAFE PUBLIC SPACES"

2011

- Adaptation of stops of the public passenger transport service. 44 Trolleybus stops were replaced with new structures, based on the rule "see and be seen, hear and be heard". In addition, these stations received clear signage and messages to prevent sexual harassment and violence in transport.

- The Passenger Transport Company developed 5 care services for cases of sexual harassment and violence in the main stations of this system, providing guidance and accompanying women who experienced it.

- Formalization of Metropolitan Ordinance No. 0235, which establishes metropolitan policies aimed at eradicating violence against women in Quito.

- Mainstreaming of the gender perspective and application of international safety protocols for women and girls in the metropolitan municipal transport system. This has involved the development of the Action Protocol for victims of sexual harassment and violence on public transport and the training of municipal authorities in the application and compliance with said protocol.

- Introducing a mobile application "Bájale al harassment", which is a system for reporting sexual harassment in 120 units of the metropolitan transport system through text messages.

- Together with the Secretary of Security, the protocol for addressing the problem of sexual harassment and violence in public spaces was drawn up for the Metropolitan Police. The protocol outlines the comprehensive care route for these crimes and specifies the role that the Metropolitan Police must fulfill according to its powers.

Honours Programme Master

As one of the five pioneer cities to of the UN Women’s Safe Cities Global Initiative, from 2011 Quito is committed to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual harassment in public spaces. The first step undertaken by programme partners was to carry out a participatory scoping study which revealed that 68 per cent of women had experienced some form of sexual violence in public spaces over the previous year. Following the dissemination of results of this study, in March 2012, Quito’s Municipal Council adopted new pioneering legislation to prevent violence against women, and included sexual harassment in public spaces in the City Ordinance. The application of the participatory methodology with women from neighborhoods in the south of Quito has been one of the mechanisms to strengthen neighborhood and grassroots women’s organizations. A group of women has used the methodology to generate neighborhood improvement plans. The implemented actions included:

16

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Interventions for evaluation Santiago, Chile REGIONAL PROGRAMME “CIUDADES SIN VIOLENCIA HACIA LAS MUJERES, CIUDADES SEGURAS PARA TOD@S” NATIONAL PROGRAM "QUIERO MI BARRIO" MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS " PLAZAS DE BOLSILLO" AND "PLAZAS NOCTURNAS"

2006

2016

In Santiago de Chile the Network Red Mujer y Hábitat de América Latina y el Caribe has coordinated different regional programmes to address (in)security in urban areas from a gender perspective. A Regional Programme "Ciudades sin Violencia hacia las Mujeres Ciudades Seguras para Tod@s" received funding from UNIFEM (now UN Women) and AECID. Santiago de Chile was among the first cities to participate in the programme from 2006. A local application of it lead was combined with the national neighborhood recovery program "Quiero mi barrio". It involved local actors in reconstructing their physical and social environments to recover deteriorated public spaces, to improve environmental conditions, to strengthen social relations between residents and thus promote socially integrated neighborhoods. Some other local, municipal actions were developed at the same time in the framework of the regional programme, also tackling the problem of violence in public space. Two of them focused specifically on abandoned squares - "Plazas de Bolsillo" and "Plazas Nocturnas".

- The initial commitment to Pocket Squares (Plazas de Bolsillo) was inaugurated at the side of the Intendencia building at the beginning of 2016, in the former car parks of the Ministry of Public Works (Morandé 83). In the following year, ten other squares were redeveloped in the same way in eight municipalities of Santiago. The idea was to use incremental, temporary, reusable, tactical urbanism solutions with a minimal investment to effectively occupy abandoned public spaces and improve safety around them. With the use of movable furniture, color, vegetation and introduction of functions for entertainment the municipality wanted to turn those spots into meeting spaces and prevent them from being places of delinquency and violence against women.

- In relation to the perception of security/insecurity in the neighborhood's public spaces, there is a big difference at night, when the feeling of insecurity increases drastically. Because of that the The Plazas Nocturnas project was born as the implementation of the Programa Quiero Mi Barrio in the Santiago Nueva Extremadura neighborhood. The programme proposed the idea of the 'night square' as the expression of women's right to use, animate and appropriate public spaces in the neighborhood. Places designed for night-time use imply certain typologies of physical design, especially elements that constitute safe environments, and the development of sustainable programmes of use over time, which allow the presence of neighbors in public spaces to at a regular occurrence. In process involving participation of residents several functions were introduced to the squares to ensure they are used at different moments of a day like sports and entertainment equipment.

17

Montevideo, Uruguay UN PROGRAM "SAFE CITIES AND SAFE PUBLIC SPACES"

2017

Two areas were chosen for the main points of intervention of the initiative, Parque Rodó and the neighborhoods of Unión - Villa Española neighborhoods, representative of two types of public spaces of public spaces particularly salient in the analysis of women's discourse. These places in Montevideo appeared in the women's accounts as "double-edged weapons” - they seem preferable to pass through for reasons of light and visibility, which provide security, but which, at the same time, they recognize as spaces where they know that the exposure of their bodies will expose them to situations of harassment.

- One of the main issues which was noted in the interviews was that of the big difference between the perception of safety at night and during the day in Parque Rodó, and in Parque Battle. New illumination was installed in the parks to improve the situation.

- In Unión - Villa Española neighborhoods public spaces were improved with the goal to strengthen the local community. Especially the Larravide alley was prioritized for interventions. There were also fundings devoted for bottom-up community projects, and restoration of the commercial and cultural activity in the area. One of the main ideas that neighbors had was to restore the community through sports.

Honours Programme Master

- The majority of women recognize that the city’s central parks Parque Rodó, Parque Batlle are where the harassment in frequent. The Directorate of Urban Development has indicated a focus of the work in parks and squares, and it was emphasized that in particular the that interventions should be carried out in the central, heritage parks, among them "the most significant for the entire population of Montevideo, the Parque Rodó”. Its potential was based on the fact that it was in a process of reformulation, that it is a characteristic space which enables a continues intervention also because it is centrally located, among the highly used spaces which concentrate citizens, and also because of its symbolic meaning. It was also a political opportunity to bring attention to the basic urban problem, such as lack of adequate lighting. Graphic signs and posters informing about the problem of violence against women and ways of acting were installed in the parks. The Department of Transport was asked to change the route of the bus, which stopped inside the park and change the green area into a pedestrian zone. There was an idea to create a community surveillance and prevention net, and the most important actors which could contribute to its formation were recognized. An important part of the project included the change of lighting and organization of greenery, to keep the feeling of light and visibility, but make women feel less exposed. Another observation was that there are a lot of night clubs present in the area, which might contribute to the feeling of insecurity at night.

18

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Methodology

A need of evaluation and an architectural approach to anthropology and ethnography EVALUATION GIVES OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN FROM PAST INTERVENTIONS AND HAS A POTENTIAL TO INSPIRE FUTURE PROCESSES. AN ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH MIGHT BE A USEFUL TOOL FOR AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY FOCUSED ON IMAGINING FUTURE CONDITIONS, DESIRED BY A COMMUNITY. The main focus of my research is to

tion of safety and freedom or danger

understand a long-term effect of pre-

and distress among women. I will also

viously

interventions

use available secondary quantitative

addressing the topic of women's safe-

implemented

data to compare the results. I will gath-

ty in Latin American cities by spatial

er both experimental data, collected

planning and design. I believe that

while manipulating some of the vari-

evaluation is a crucial process in order

ables through architectural methods,

to understand the real impact of the

and descriptive data gathered through

interventions in the built environment

observations. As my methodology will

on the problems which they are aiming

be inspired by architectural ethnogra-

to solve. By looking at long-term ef-

phy and anthropology, which are inter-

fects, we can understand which solu-

pretive and less controlled, I will need

tions proved to be successful, which

to reflect on my position as researcher,

had unexpected results, and what still

and how it might influence the results.

needs improvement. The evaluation

It is particularly interesting for me to

process will also lead to ideas about

rethink my role as an architecture stu-

the next steps which could be taken to

dent. My methodology will include

improve the current conditions in the

methods inspired by architectural ap-

studied sites. For the evaluation, I will

proach, which is useful for decoding

mostly use qualitative data, which will

spatial features and understanding

give me information not on the actual

what kind of change and possibilities

crime rates but rather on the percep-

for future a community can imagine.

19

Reflections on architectural ethnography and its methods The research is inspired by methods of ethnography and anthropology.

How can I make use of my training as a designer and make a better use of architectural approach in the research methodology?

Figure 3

Uzo Nishiyama’s investigations of common lives

in most of the cases to be re-

search by diving into the world

duced to the methods of rep-

of ethnography, and architec-

resentation, creating graphics

tural anthropology. To under-

supporting the discussion and

stand the conceptions of this

legibly summarizing the con-

field I participated in "The Ob-

clusions. Also in the methods

serves Observed: Architectur-

I proposed above, I miss what

al Uses of Ethnography" Jaap

is essential for architectural

Bakema Conference, I read a

thinking - its focus on the fu-

book by Martyn Hammersley

ture, problem-solving through

and Paul Atkinson "Ethnogra-

design and the search for spe-

phy. Principles in practice", and

cific, physical, spatial applica-

several articles, out of which

tions. I would like to find a place

"Towards an Architectural An-

in my methodology for the

thropology" by Marie Stender

architectural imagination that

was one of the most relevant

creates a framework for new

for me. I also went through a

patterns of behavior, instead

number of texts describing

of only describing and repre-

ethnographic research carried

senting the existing, observ-

out with women of Latin Amer-

able ones. During my research

ica and focused on the topic of

project, I would like to use the

their safety. After the first mo-

opportunity to discuss with

ment of fascination, the next

the neighborhood the ideas for

moment of doubt came to me,

possible futures, and concrete

in which I began to notice that

solutions for improving the ur-

the approach of researchers in

ban conditions. By discussing

the field of architectural an-

several proposals for change,

thropology lacks the real influ-

I believe that I can also make

ence of architectural methods.

people realize where there is a

The importance of architec-

need for improvement in the

ture for this field seems to me

evaluated interventions.

Honours Programme Master

I started preparing to the re-

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

20

Reflections on my position as researcher

Reflexivity: Situating myself in qualitative research.

DISCUSSING THIS RESEARCH TOPIC CAN POSE A SEVERAL THREATS TO THE SAFETY OF RESEARCH SUBJECTS, INCLUDING THE THREAT OF RE-VICTIMIZATION. I CONSIDER IT IMPERATIVE TO UNDERSTAND ETHICAL RESEARCH GUIDELINES CONCERNING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. An important part of the methodology

experiences but I hope to provide an

is to consider one’s role in the research

insight into the problem and to as-

in relation to the topic. Methodological

sess the effectiveness of design solu-

theoretical background provides me

tions in improving women's safety in

with useful and important reflective

case study cities by presenting the

resources through which to reflect on

direct feelings of female residents.

my position in the research. My posi-

Discussing this research topic can

tion as a women, who experienced fear

pose a several threats to the safety of

and violence in public space herself,

research subjects, including the threat

stands for a personal motivation for

of re-victimization. I consider it imper-

the research and makes me directly

ative to understand and familiarize

to the women’s experiences which I

myself with ethical research guide-

want to research. However, as I come

lines concerning the topic of violence

from Poland and I have lived in Euro-

against women

pean countries, I am also conducting the research as an outsider in the con-

Since most of my research methods

text of Latin American cities. There-

are qualitative it is important to doc-

fore I need to rely on the interview-

ument the process thoroughly. Mak-

ees' view on their neighborhoods and

ing notes of my reflexive ideas and

their willingness to share information

thoughts in a diary during the research

with me. I do not aim claim to speak

process, and then discussing this in

for universal Latin American women’s

the research report, is crucial.

21

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry Which is the perception of women of daily life in public space in the areas of intervention?

Which is the perception of safety of a larger community? Are the interventions recognized?

method: semi-structured interviews with flexible question framework

method: online surveys with closed and open questions, indexes of space quality

EXPLANATION

A flexible question framework will be used during the

The survey will be a fixed format questionnaire. Be-

anonymous, in-depth interviews as an outline tool to

cause of the available data, a non-probabilistic method

help elicit womens’ daily experiences, problems and

of proportionate quota sampling will be used. Quanti-

priorities. The framework will be formed by main cat-

tative and statistically representative information will

egories and example questions, like: Spatial Experi-

be used to make comparisons between the experience

ences: Do you have experiences of fear and distress

among different gender groups and in different sites.

in your neighborhood? Are they credited to a specific

These surveys will provide information about the expe-

space? Routine Interactions: What does a daily com-

riences and perspectives of larger amount of people. A

mute look like to you? During what hours and days

pilot survey will be held, in order to understand wheth-

do you routinely interact with the site? Commuting

er or not women understand and respond to ques-

and Activity: Are active modes of transit a possibility

tions properly and make adjustments in the phrasing

for you in terms of safety? Do you sometimes change

of questions. Because women may experience sexual

your plans, routes and activities because of

fear?

assault or sexual harassment but do not recognize it

All interviews will be audio recorded and simultane-

as such and not report it as a problem, a list of actions

ously noted to document changes in tone, physical

which are considered sexual harassment or assault will

posture, and noteworthy response lapses to have re-

be provided. Questions will be related to the experi-

cord of the non-verbal emotion and emphasis.

ence of safety in cities and the evaluated interventions.

Honours Programme Master

EXPLANATION

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

22

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry Which is the political and institutional context of the problem and how can policies be improved?

Which points require special attention because of their spatial importance or disadvantage?

method: bibliographic review of documents, policy analysis

method: desk research using methods of urban planning

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

I will use policy listing to determine where interven-

Before visiting the places, I will prepare by making an

tions on women’s safety and gender inclusion fit with-

in-depth critical urban analysis of the places under

in the larger political and institutional context of the

evaluation. I will try to understand the spatial config-

city and state. It will be enriched with a historical per-

uration, qualities and issues of the sites, flows of peo-

spective from the study of how the topic of women's

ple, mobility, accessibility, physical boundaries, edges

safety entered public debate and gained relevance

of the neighborhood, barriers and connections, busy

from the 1970s, which I prepare for the History Thesis. I

points, landmarks, presence of greenery and facilities,

will create an overview of current policies, plans, legis-

land use, types of activities, etc. I will try to understand

lation, and the evaluated initiatives/programmes that

'a DNA' of each of the sites and build initial hypotheses

address violence against women in case study cities.

about the nature of functioning of the urban system,

This study will give a possibility to assess which may be

and have ideas for the opportunities for change.

opportunities to strengthen current policies, and initiatives/programmes. Combined with the other methods, the knowledge on existing policies will give me the ability to understand where there are gaps related to violence against women and their rights, and what could be the suggestions to improve them.

23

Which are the patterns of use of places and gendered division of space near the evaluated sites?

Which is the external perspective of a new participant in space, what do I notice, how do I feel?

method: social mapping overlapped with observational mapping

method: personal research diary, notes on own experience of public space

EXPLANATION

At the beginning, I will ask participants to recall and

The study will include first-person account of walking

recreate paths they usually take, places they avoid,

around the intervention site. Diary research will be

which they remember and identify as unsafe and mark

used as a qualitative method. During the stay in each

them with stickers on a map. Afterwards, participants

of the case study cities, I will take notes of my experi-

will be asked for two weeks to mark with a pin their

ences and describe them as I go along. In this natural

levels of stress and describe how they feel through an

form I will capture the thoughts and behaviors as I no-

online tool similar to: https://yourgroundarchive.org/

tice them, in the moment. A routine of taking notes in

every time they pass through the selected public spac-

the diary will help me to document the emotional and

es in the area. At the same time, I will focus on observa-

practical challenges of fieldwork in unfamiliar settings.

tional mapping, noting factors which will be translated

This will allow me to incrementally change my re-

into spatial indicators regarding visibility, vegetation

search approach and update my plans. Writing down

density, lighting, land use etc. to generate safety index

the observations has the capacity to allow for personal

values. The final safety map will combine the safety in-

reflection. It will also become a specific record of the

dex values with individual perceptions from memories

outsider's experience in the evaluated spaces. As the

and everyday experience. With integrated qualitative

research follows, I will probably be able to interpret

and quantitative methods I will compare different lev-

data from this self-reported diary, understanding a

els of information coming from the mappings.

specific perception of my own fears in the cities.

Honours Programme Master

EXPLANATION

24

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Medellín - research plan WEEK 1

WEEK 2

online survey results analysis

observations and mapping

bibliographic review of policies and documents

semi-structured interviews

desk research using methods of urban planning

prioritizing possible change - interview activity

25

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

documentation of results

guidelines for a design of a safe police station - workshops

transcription of interviews

evaluation of workshops results with the community

editorial of personal research diary

Honours Programme Master

collaborative case study analysis - workshops

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

26

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry Which design changes influencing safety in the area can the community see and explain?

Which could be the indications for policy making and projects from the local women?

method: transect walk

method: prioritizing posible changes through simulated investments

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

With this participatory exercise I will involve members

In the first step of a focus group, participants will try

of the community knowledgeable about the area, and

to come up with solutions to improve safety in their

- as outsider collaborators - students from the facul-

neighborhood. Solutions from previous interventions

ties of Architecture and Psychology from the universi-

under evaluation, also from other cities, can be pro-

ty campus neighbouring with the case study area. We

posed for discussion. Each of them will be presented

will walk for 1-3 hours in groups through different areas

to all participants. In the second step, everybody will

of the neighbourhood, interviewing passers-by and

receive a certain amount of paper-money, and they will

drawing a map with observations of characteristics,

be asked to assign parts of it to the projects, according

risks and existing solutions after the walk. A transect

to their relevance. In this way they will be able to rep-

diagram is a horizontal line passing through all areas of

resent their hierarchy of needs, pressured to choose by

the community and in this way provide a representa-

limited resources. In the last step, I will try to summa-

tive view. Beneath the line on the left side of the page,

rize the most popular proposals, visually representing

it shows evaluated categories. Each group will prepare

the needs, wishes of the community for the evaluated

a transect map based on the diagram. At the end we

sites through imaginative and suggestive photo-mon-

will compare the experience of different groups. In the

tage. The images of a reinvented neighborhood will

transect walk, the researcher is an observator, and is

serve as a tool for a collective discussion of the ideas

guided through the community by participants.

that the community proposed to improve safety.

27

Contacts Which are the requirements for a police station design to improve women's safety?

method: focus group - collaborative case study analysis

Ana María Valle Villega Secretary for Women in the Mayor's Office of Medellin. Secretary for Territorial Peacebuilding at the Secretariat for (2020-21).

Responsible

for implementing the Public Policy for Gender Equality in Medellin.

EXPLANATION I will organize a workshop with students from the Faculty of Architecture/local architects during which we will analyse several case studies of police stations, including Estación de Policía Belén, all-female police stations from other Latin American countries, and Comisaría de Familia in the case study area. Through a modelling workshop, we will together work on createing guidelines for a design of a police station which could have a positive contribution to women's safety in the city and facilitate denouncing of violence in comfortable circumstances. We will create sketches and conceptual models, which will later be discussed with memebrs of the community.

established ways of contact:

---

Valeria Bernal Carvajal External consultant for the Transport Gender

Lab

of

the

Inter-American

Development Bank. Architect from the Universidad

Pontificia

Bolivariana

in

Medellín and Master in Urban Planning and Policy Design from Polimi established ways of contact: LinkedIn

Esperanza Camargo PhD in Criminal Justice and MSc in Urban Studies, Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice at the San Diego State University.

Her research focuses on crime in Latin America with a special attention to gender issues. established ways of contact: e-mail, reference person

Honours Programme Master

Non-Violence

28

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Quito - research plan WEEK 1

WEEK 2

online survey results analysis

observations and mapping

bibliographic review of policies and documents

semi-structured interviews

desk research using methods of urban planning

photography of places of intervention

29

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

documentation of results

workshops with collages/renders with manipulated design features: safe transport hubs

transcription of interviews

evaluation of workshops results with the community

editorial of personal research diary

Honours Programme Master

collaborative photography workshops

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

30

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry Which is the physical condition of the places of intervention after few years?

Which places are symbolic for the local community of the violence against women and why those?

method: photography of places of intervention and image analysis

method: collaborative photography workshop and visual narratives

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

I will document the intervention sites few years after

I will approach the community's image of violence

they were remodeled, to understand how their ap-

against women through a visual, collaborative meth-

pearance changed in the long-term. I see this as a valu-

od. It will involve active contribution of participants in

able method of inquiry for example in Quito, where I

the process of exploration and construction of knowl-

could photograph all the trolley stops which were re-

edge. I will organize a photography workshop, in which

designed and replaced ten years ago. By analyzing

men and women from the community will be asked

their condition nowadays, I could understand what has

to take pictures, which for them are symbolic for the

changed and how are they used in the long-term. Pho-

issues of women's safety in their neighborhood. The

tographs will allow me to notice if the places are main-

meeting will begin with a brief collective discussion of

tained, what has been damaged, whether they are

the problem. The second part will be a basic training

clean or littered, are there signs of usage, what kind of

in photography and photo shooting practices in the

advertisement is there and if the graphic campaign for

neighborhood will follow. Participants will take pic-

improving women's safety is still present and visible.

tures individually and discuss them in groups. In the

By repeating the photographs during different days

last step, all pictures will be presented and annotated.

and at different times, I can also notice how people

All participants will explain why they chose specific

use the waiting areas, which places do they take and

views and what is the meaning for them. A common

notice behavioral patterns of use of the stops.

group poster with annotated images will be created.

31

Contacts Which design features are perceived by women as affecting safety of a place?

method: collages/renders of interventions with manipulated features

Ana Elena Badilla UN Women Resident Representative Ecuador with a demonstrated history of working in Gender Issues and Human degree in Project Management, degree Law, and postgraduate course in Gender.

EXPLANATION I will use collages or renders to manipulate some of the spatial features of the evaluated interventions and produce a number of similar images with noticeable changes - a different lighting, materials, maintenance, types of greenery, advertisement etc. If such data will be available, I will manipulate the same features in the pictures of the same area before and after intervention.

I will ask women to make a ranking of the pictures they see, to notice which of the changes are the most relevant and if the intervention which was implemented is perceived as a desirable change by the participants.

established ways of contact:

---

Abigail Rodríguez Serrano Clinical psychologist with experience in special protection, violation of rights and care for victims of violence. Currently working as a clinical psychologist at the Casa de la Mujer, which cares for women victims of violence and their children. established ways of contact: LinkedIn

Bernarda Ordoñez Moscoso Human

Rights

Secretary

at CEPAM

Quito, lawyer, feminist and researcher on human rights, in particular the rights of

girls

and

women,prevention

and

attention to gender violence and public policy for justice and equality. established ways of contact: phone number

Honours Programme Master

Rights at international level. She has a

32

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Santiago - research plan WEEK 1

WEEK 2

online survey results analysis

observations and mapping

bibliographic review of policies and documents

semi-structured interviews

desk research using methods of urban planning

safety audit walks

33

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

documentation of results

participatory workshops with 3d representation tools: women's centre

transcription of interviews

evaluation of workshops results with the community

editorial of personal research diary

Honours Programme Master

recordings of reactions while walking

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

34

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry How do women describe their perception of the city, which points most often feel unsafe?

Which are the points that need improvement in terms of safety in the areas of intervention?

method: visual and verbal recordings of natural reactions during walking

method: safety audit walks with public mapping and discussion

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

In this first step of the research, participants will record

The safety audit walk is a technique used to assess

their experience visually and verbally by using GoPro

safety of public spaces from the perspective of wom-

cameras during a typical walk and activity in public

en and girls who are often targeted for sexual harass-

space on their typical week day and during a week-

ment and other forms of violence. It is an opportunity

end. It will be an unstructured experience, participants

for women and girls to identify what makes them feel

will not be asked to respond to any scripted questions,

safe or unsafe in public spaces and to create recom-

but rather to simply vocalize their own stream-of-con-

mendations for policy makers to improve the quality

sciousness already occurring during the walk. Next,

of their space. A safety audit involves walking through

each participant will review their video in semi-struc-

a physical environment and completing a checklist to

tured interviews, clarifying their comments and the

methodically evaluate safety from a woman’s perspec-

overall experience, in which general prompts will be

tive. Participants of a diverse background walk togeth-

used in the discussion, like: What would make your

er, using tools prepared for the assessment. Through

walk a better experience? Where do you feel safe/un-

the survey, quantitative data about the overall design,

safe? Comments will be classified by their undertone

lighting, accessibility, maintenance, hygiene, visibility

and topic. To analyze the interviews, I will spatially map

and other features of space can be collected. There

the comments, to understand which points were most

is also space provided for short comments about the

likely to receive negative comments in terms of safety.

perception of safety and summary of problems.

35

Contacts Which changes in organization of urban space are perceived by women as improving safety?

method: participatory idea testing with maquettes

Olga Segovia Architect (University of Chile). Member of the Women and Habitat Network of Latin America. Author of several research and on urban and local development, public spaces, care and gender.

EXPLANATION As architects work in three dimensions, I would also

established ways of contact: phone number and a reference person

like to involve this way of thinking to my methodology.

Geanina Zagal Ehrenfeld

Because of the limited time, I will focus on using con-

Researcher, PhD in geography, MA in

cept maquettes, which have a potential to be a useful

gender studies, one of the founders of

participatory tool. Many people do not have good spa-

Ciudad Feminista, which brings together

tial imagination or memory, so working with a phys-

professional women activists seeking to

ical object in a three-dimensional representation can

generate a sustainable urbanism free of

be a very good way to support discussion with the

violence and abuse towards women.

residents. With the use of a construction set of several types of blocks, in a participatory method I can discuss

established ways of contact:

---

ideas with the community, testing them in the model.

Diego Moya Ortiz Architect

and

spatial

planner,

graduated from TU Delft with a MSc thesis "Contesting metropolization by Neoliberalism:

Activating

vulnerable

areas through inter-municipal spatial planning in Santiago de Chile". established ways of contact: LinkedIn

Honours Programme Master

consultancy projects and publications

36

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Montevideo - research plan WEEK 1

WEEK 2

online survey results analysis

observations and mapping

bibliographic review of policies and documents

semi-structured interviews

desk research using methods of urban planning

video screenings and audio recordings - interview activity

37

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

documentation of results

guidelines for a design of a safe park - focus group

transcription of interviews

evaluation of workshops results with the community

editorial of personal research diary

Honours Programme Master

street interviews

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

38

Research subquestions and ideas for methods of inquiry Which emotions do men and women associate to daily life of women in public space?

What are the first natural associations passers-by have with women's safety in the neighbourhood?

method: short video screenings and audio, naming the emotions felt

method: street interviews

EXPLANATION

EXPLANATION

This method allows the public to identify and describe

I will ask a sample of residents a series of questions re-

emotions when watching short videos and listening to

lated to the perception of women's safety in their neigh-

audios representing the experience of women in the

borhood whilst they are in a public space. Street survey

cities. This technique will be used to understand the

interviews will take about five to ten minutes and will

psychological impact of seeing scenes of women's ac-

be designed to gather general information, such as

tivity in spaces which might be expected to feel un-

what places women fear most, how and when women

safe for many of them. Discussion will be supported

use public spaces, or how did their safety change in

by around 45-second audios and videos illustrating

the last few years. I will also use the interviews gather

examples of street harassment repeatedly being car-

specific information about the recognition of the previ-

ried out by men in public spaces. An open question of

ously implemented interventions in the area and their

naming emotions when seeing those scenes will be

assessment among the residents. There will also be

asked. In a safe atmosphere, there will be a chance to

questions related to design factors which contribute to

discuss which of them caused discomfort, humiliation,

the feeling of safety. This form of research will allow me

frustration or other negative feelings. The same tech-

to gather information from a larger group and engage

nique will be applied to male participants, whom I will

with women in public space. The fixed format ques-

interview with the same question individually and in

tionnaire will contain multiple-choice questions, and

group, to analyze their reaction in both cases.

there will be space for additional open clarifications.

39

Contacts What is the perception of the proposed design solutions among local women?

method: design of new types of buildings for the evaluated neighborhoods

Silvana Pissano Architect,

director

Development Municipality

of

the

Urban

Department of

of

Montevideo

the (2015-

feminist perspective in the construction of the city.

EXPLANATION

established ways of contact: phone number and a reference person

I will propose several types of buildings which are not typically present in cities but which could have a pos-

Magdalena Furtado

itive impact on women's safety. What if there was a

Country Programme Manager - ONU

female-only police station, would it make it easier for

Mujeres Uruguay, author of more than

the victims to report violence? How would it look like?

30 academic publications and research

Can we propose a net of houses for the victims of vio-

papers and coordinated several studies

lence where they could temporarily live, receiving ther-

with the aim of influencing public

apy supporting each other in daily lives? Which would

policies, advocate for women's rights.

be the characteristics of safe public transport hubs or parks? These are some of the questions which could be discussed based on design sketches and collages.

established ways of contact: LinkedIn

Alejandra López Gómez Researcher, PhD in Social Sciences, Psychologist.

She

is

specialized

in

gender, health and rights. Professor of Psychology and coordinator of Gender programme

at

Universidad

de

República in Montevideo. established ways of contact:

---

la

Honours Programme Master

2020). Recognised for incorporating the

40

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Project time plan

February

March

April

Deciding on research methods Until the end of February, I would like to have a ready collection of selected research methods.

Critical urban analysis and historical study

Until the end of the quarter, I would like to prepare a historical study of the problem an

Theoretical background

Until the beginning of June, I would like to close the theoretic research part and prepare its description and presentation.

Establishing contacts.

From the beginning of April I wou ing local contacts with organizatio

U m

Preparing nec

During the last quart materials necessary f

41

May

June

July

Honours Programme Master

nd in May, analyze the sites.

cal

.

uld like to start establishons, UN, universities etc.

Recruiting participants

Until late June, I would like to recruit participants for my research with the help of local contacts.

cessary tools and materials

ter I would like to prepare all the for the research methods.

Final check In July, I would like to focus on technical preparations for the trip and do a final check on my preparations.

42

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Bibliography Albaine, L. (2020). Violencia contra las mujeres en política en América Latina: Mapeo legislativo y proyectos parlamentarios. ONU Mujeres & OEA/CIM. Allen, H., Cárdenas, G., Pereyra, L., Sagaris, L. (2018). Ella se mueve segura (ESMS) – Un estudio sobre la seguridad personal de las mujeres y el transporte público en tres ciudades de América Latina. Caracas: CAF y FIA Foundation. http://scioteca.caf.com/handle/123456789/1405 Ceccato., V., & Nalla, M. K. (Eds.). (2020). Crime and fear in public places: Towards safe, inclusive and sustainable cities. ROUTLEDGE. Condon, S., Lieber, M., Maillochon, F. (2007). Feeling unsafe in public places: Understanding women's fears. Revue Française De Sociologie, 48(5), 101. doi:10.3917/rfs.485.0101 Ellsberg M, & Heise L. (2005) Researching Violence Against Women: A Practical Guide for Researchers and Activists. Washington DC, United States: World Health Organization Falú, A. (2009).

Mujeres en la ciudad: De violencias y derechos.

Red Mujer y Hábitat de América Latina.

Falú, A., Segovia, O. (2007). Ciudades para convivir: Sin violencias hacia las mujeres. Santiago: Ediciones SUR. Ingold, T. (2013). Making: Anthropology, archaeology, art and architecture.

Routledge.

Johnson, N., Aguiar, S. (2018) Diagnóstico sobre la violencia hacia las mujeres en espacios públicos en Montevideo. División Asesoría para la Igualdad de Género - Intendencia de Montevideo. Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls Global Flagship Initiative: International Compendium of Practices. New York: UN WOMEN Kern, L. (2021). Feminist city: Claiming space in a man-made world. London: Verso.

Mesa, M., & Aravena, R. F. (2008). (In)Seguridad y violencia en América Latina: un reto para la democracia. Pensamiento Iberoamericano.

Montoya Ruiz, A. M., Correa Londoño, A. M. (2018). Ciudades Seguras y sin violencias para las mujeres y las niñas, avances y retos de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Perspectiva Geográfica, 23(2). doi:10.19053/01233769.7384 Morales Alfonso, L., Quiroz del Pozo, N., Ramírez, G. (2016). Acoso sexual en Lugares Públicos de Quito: Retos Para Una Ciudad Segura. URVIO - Revista Latinoamericana De Estudios De Seguridad, (19), 21. doi:10.17141/urvio.19.2016.2425 Rainero, L., Perez, S., Rodigou, M. (2006). Herramientas para la promoción de Ciudades Seguras desde la perspectiva de género. Córdoba (Argentina): CISCSA. Rettberg, A. (2020). Violencia en América Latina hoy: Manifestaciones E impactos. Revista De Estudios Sociales, (73), 2–17. https://doi.org/10.7440/res73.2020.01 Rivas Monje, F., Zunino Folle, M. (2019). Violencia de Género contra las mujeres en América latina. (41), 022. https://doi.org/10.24215/24689912e022

43

Rodríguez Sebastián, A. (2016). Programa de recuperación de Barrios Quiero Mi barrio. Santiago, Chile. Retrieved February 12, 2022, from http://habitat.aq.upm.es/dubai/14/bp0046.html Roza, V., & Martín, C. (2021). Violencia sexual y basada en género: Mapa de Ruta para su prevención y atención en América Latina y El Caribe Banco Interamericano De Desarrollo. División De Género y Diversidad. https://doi.org/10.18235/0003819 Rose, G. (2016). Visual methodologies. London: Sage Publications Segato, R. L. (2020). La Guerra contra Las Mujeres. Prometeo Libros.

Segovia Marín, O. (2020) Programa ciudades y espacios públicos seguros para mujeres y niñas en América Latina: informe de resultados. Panamá, ONU Mujeres Stanko, E. A. (1995). Women, Crime, and Fear. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 539, 46–58. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1048395

SUR Corporación de Estudios Sociales y Educación. (2008). "Plazas nocturnas" recuperación de espacios públicos a Escala vecinal. Santiago Nueva Extremadura, Comuna de la Pintana, Santiago de Chile. Retrieved February 12, 2022, from http://www.sitiosur.cl/%E2%80%9Cplazas-nocturnas%E2%80%9D-recuperacion-de-espacios-publicos-a-escala-vecinal-santiago-nueva-extremadura-comuna-de-la-pintana-santiago-de-chile/ Toro Jiménez, J., & Ochoa Sierra, M. (2017). Violencia de Género y Ciudad: Cartografías Feministas del Temor y el miedo. Sociedad y Economía, 65–84. https://doi.org/10.25100/sye.v0i32.3878 UN WOMEN (2019). Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women and Girls Global Flagship Initiative: International Compendium of Practices. New York: UN WOMEN

Honours Programme Master

Stender, M. (2016). Towards An Architectural Anthropology—What Architects Can Learn From Anthropology and Vice Versa. Architectural Theory Review, 21(1), 27-43. doi:10.1080/13264826.2016.1256 333

DON'T STAY OUT ALONE. ADDRESSING WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE AND PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND FREEDOM IN CITIES BY DESIGN.

Thank you for attention.

Don't stay out alone. Addressing women's experience and perception of safety and freedom in cities by design.

WERONIKA JADWIGA ZDZIARSKA Honours Programme Master of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment Research group on Spatial Justice at the Department of Urbanism TU Delft Tutoring researchers: Roberto Rocco, Caroline Newton 2021-2023