Contributed by: C. Aparnaa
There are instances where the city spaces tend to be gendered, having different backgrounds that allow for women to express themselves in a particular way according to the context. Like paan vending corners or public toilet fronts tend to be male-dominated so women avoid these spaces. Women gather in groups and avoid both deserted and overcrowded spaces. They are overly cautious in public transportation, they look for well-lit areas and so on, to state a few instances. There are multiple factors deciding which spaces women access, when, why and how do they access these spaces. It defines their comfort level and gestures and thus, the degree of accessibility in public spaces.
Location: FC Road, Pune. Picture Credits: C. Aparnaa
What kind of public spaces do you access or avoid, and why? What changes are needed to improve your accessibility?
