1. Introduction
In recent years, the concept of urban planning has evolved beyond traditional approaches focused solely on organizing physical space. It is being reshaped into a human-centric, rights-based framework—specifically one that facilitates the daily lives of disadvantaged groups. Alongside this shift, the concept of the "right to the city" has become a fundamental reference point of increasing importance in shaping urban policies.[1] However, historically, cities have largely been planned from a male-dominated perspective, reflecting a male-centric cultural legacy. Consequently, the ways in which women and children use and experience public spaces have often been overlooked during planning processes.[2]
One of the most critical factors determining a city's livability is the ability of all users to access and utilize public spaces safely, equally, and freely. In this context, the "women- and child-friendly city" approach represents a holistic planning philosophy grounded in the principles of accessibility, safety, participation, and equality.[3] According to data from TurkStat (TÜİK), 84.4% of women worry about their children's futures; furthermore, the inability of children to play safely in their neighborhoods reveals significant gaps in social protection.
This study examines the women- and child-friendly city approach through the lens of urban safety, evaluating the subject based on both its theoretical foundations and selected case studies from around the world and Turkey.
1.1. Theoretical Foundations of Safety Design
Urban safety is not a concept that can be explained solely in terms of reducing crime rates. The extent to which individuals feel safe in urban spaces constitutes one of the fundamental elements of this concept.[4]
One of the prominent approaches in the urban security literature is the concept of "eyes on the street," developed by Jane Jacobs. According to this approach, the active use of streets at various times of day and the continuity of public life contribute to crime reduction by strengthening informal social control.[5] Another significant theoretical framework paralleling Jacobs’s approach is the concept of "defensible space"—introduced by Oscar Newman—and the associated notion of natural surveillance. This approach highlights the decisive role of spatial design in creating safe urban environments.[6]
According to the natural surveillance approach, the continuous visibility of public spaces by users is a key factor in reducing opportunities for crime. In this context, positioning residences to face the street, integrating commercial and social functions with public space, and enhancing visibility are considered fundamental elements that foster a sense of security.[7] Conversely, spatial features such as blank walls, abandoned structures, poorly lit areas, and dead-end streets can heighten feelings of insecurity, particularly among women and children.[8] Within this framework, incorporating a gender perspective into urban design processes emerges as a crucial requirement for creating safer and more inclusive cities.[9]
2. Examples of Women- and Child-Friendly Practices from Around the World
Designing a city that is friendly to women and children also entails driving cultural change within ancient cities—places where successive civilizations have been built over millennia; It is a very new concept that has not yet moved much beyond prototype applications, yet it enables the implementation—through pilot projects—of practices that will pioneer the evolution of living spaces in this direction.
2.1. Vienna: Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning
Vienna, the capital of Austria, stands out as one of the most frequently cited international examples in the field of gender-sensitive urban planning. Various spatial and administrative measures have been implemented in the city to increase the visibility of women in public spaces. Notable examples within this scope include naming certain public spaces after women and redesigning parks and streets with consideration for women's experiences of using them. [10] Furthermore, the Municipality of Vienna established the "Planning Office for Women's Daily Life Needs" to incorporate women's daily life practices into planning processes in a more systematic manner (Damyanovic et al., 2013).[11] Indeed, the necessity of such a planning office is evident; research has revealed that women's daily travel routes are more multi-layered and fragmented compared to those of men. Due to daily responsibilities such as shopping, childcare, and education, women move between different points in the city in more intensive and varied ways
...has been determined. [12]
Based on the data obtained, the women-oriented housing projects and public space designs developed in Vienna have been recognized by the United Nations as examples of best practice. [13]
2.2. London: Transport Safety Policies
Various campaigns and initiatives are being implemented in London to mitigate the safety risks women may encounter during transport. Within this scope, the "Know What You’re Getting Into" campaign raised awareness regarding the risks associated with using unlicensed taxis and minibuses. Following the campaign, a significant decrease was reported in the proportion of women opting for unlicensed vehicles, alongside a drop in incidents of violence linked to such vehicles. [14]
Policies concerning children in London are shaped within the framework of the UNICEF-supported Child-Friendly City approach. [15] In this context, consultative mechanisms supporting children's participation in urban planning processes have been established; regulations to reduce traffic speeds around schools have been implemented; and playgrounds designed for safe use by children have been created. [16]
2.3. Oulu: Child-Oriented Smart City Approach
The city of Oulu, Finland, stands out as a significant example of a planning philosophy that prioritizes children's independent mobility. The city encourages children to travel to school on their own by utilizing safe pedestrian routes and digital technologies. In this regard, Oulu is considered a noteworthy example of an initiative that fosters children's active and safe participation in urban life. [17]
3. Women- and Child-Friendly Practices in Turkey
For disadvantaged groups, urban spaces in Turkey are becoming increasingly difficult environments in which to live. Amidst the numerous challenges imposed by geography, the economy, and the hardships of daily life, there is a need for more numerous and impactful examples that can positively influence the perception of spatial safety.
3.1. Trabzon: Women-Friendly Safety Services
The Local Equality Action Plan (YEEP) implemented in Trabzon is regarded as a significant local policy tool aimed at strengthening women's position in social life. Within the scope of the plan, efforts were undertaken to raise public awareness regarding violence against women; in this context, various seminars and information-sharing activities were conducted. [18] Furthermore, the Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers (ŞÖNİM)—established in Turkey in 2012—stand out as key institutional mechanisms in the fight against violence against women and as structures that support local practices in this field. [19]
3.2. İzmir: Spatial Safety Criteria
Initiatives carried out in the Bornova district of İzmir have led to the development of various spatial design proposals for women-friendly parks. Key proposals include reducing dense vegetation that obstructs visibility at park entrances and increasing lighting levels. [20]
Field research conducted in Çiğli reveals that a diversity of commercial and public uses along the street strengthens "natural surveillance," thereby positively influencing the perception of safety. Conversely, it was determined that elements such as abandoned structures, vacant shops, and inadequate lighting negatively affect women's perception of safety regarding urban spaces. [21]
3.3. Esenler, Mamak, and Lüleburgaz: Child-Friendly Street Initiatives
The “child-friendly street” initiative, launched by the Esenler Municipality in 2014 as part of the “Mother-Child Campus” program, transformed a street by clearing it of vehicular traffic and turning it into a public space where children can play and socialize safely.[22]
Meanwhile, the “Child-Friendly Street Project” implemented in Mamak offers an approach aimed at ensuring children spend more time in public spaces that are safe, accessible, and supportive of their development.[23]
The Children’s Science Center established at Ankara University, along with the subsequently developed “Children’s University Project,” stands out as an educational model designed to introduce children to science at an early age and foster the development of their cognitive skills. These initiatives demonstrate that children should not be viewed merely as individuals in need of protection, but rather as active participants in urban life. In parallel, the Lüleburgaz Municipality’s child-focused budgeting practices and projects such as “Child Neighborhood Heads” (Child Muhtars) serve as significant examples of efforts to strengthen children's participation in local governance processes.[24]
3.4. Women- and Child-Friendly Urban Safety Initiatives: The Case of Istanbul
In Istanbul, safety initiatives designed for women and children focus not only on ensuring physical safety but also on fostering an urban environment that is equitable, accessible, and sustainable is addressed with the aim of establishing a specific approach to safety. One notable example of this approach is the set of practices developed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.[25]
One of the striking initiatives aimed at enhancing safety in public transport is the "off-stop alighting at night" practice implemented by IETT. Thanks to this system, female passengers can disembark at points along the bus route where they feel safer after 10:00 PM. The practice aims to prevent potential negative incidents, particularly at bus stops that are dark, secluded, or considered high-risk. [26] Such measures are regarded as a crucial component of gender-sensitive transport policies. [27]
Another element supporting urban safety is the use of camera systems on public transport vehicles and at stops. These camera systems serve as a deterrent against crime and contribute significantly to rapid response and evidence gathering in the event of an incident. [28] In Istanbul, these camera systems are utilized in the metro network, at ferry terminals and on ferries, at Metrobus stations, and on both IETT buses and private public buses. Furthermore, digital technologies have become an integral part of security services. Mobile applications such as "İstanbul Senin" (Istanbul is Yours) enable users to share their location, receive faster assistance during emergencies, and access municipal services more easily (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, 2023). These systems establish a direct link between personal safety and public services.
Urban design is also a decisive factor regarding the safety of women and children. Well-lit parks, bus stops, pedestrian walkways, and open public spaces strengthen the perception of safety, particularly during nighttime hours. [29] Pedestrian-friendly urban planning, open-space arrangements that enhance visibility, and traffic-calming measures implemented around schools make the areas where children move within the city safer. [30]
Furthermore, enabling women to participate in urban life as visible and active individuals constitutes a significant dimension of security policies. Women’s centers, women’s shelters, and Regional Employment Offices implemented by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality support women in gaining economic independence and increasing their participation in the workforce. It is observed that women who are economically empowered take a more active role in social life and become more resilient against risks such as violence, addiction, and social exclusion. Thanks to childcare services offered to low-income families, children gain opportunities for development in safe, education-oriented environments, while mothers' participation in working life is facilitated. The "Neighborhood Houses" project creates an important social support space for women to acquire vocational skills, participate in social life, and engage in personal development. These practices ensure that women are viewed not merely as individuals requiring protection, but as active and strong components of urban security. [31]
In conclusion, the women- and child-friendly security policies implemented in Istanbul demonstrate a holistic approach to security that integrates transportation, digital services, urban design, and social support mechanisms. This approach views urban security not only as crime prevention but also as a means to enhance quality of life and strengthen social equality.
4. Conclusion
The women- and child-friendly urban security approach demonstrates that security cannot be defined solely by reducing crime rates or increasing physical security measures. To speak of a safe city, urban space must be organized in a manner that is accessible, visible, inclusive, and equitable for all users. Therefore, urban safety should be viewed as a multidimensional issue that must be addressed not merely through law enforcement services or technical infrastructure, but also through planning approaches, the use of public space, transportation arrangements, and social support mechanisms.
The international examples examined in this study demonstrate that a gender-sensitive planning approach, participatory practices, and sustained local policies are decisive factors in creating cities that are safe for women and children. Initiatives such as incorporating women’s daily life experiences into planning processes in Vienna, raising awareness regarding transport safety in London, and implementing measures that support children’s independent mobility in Oulu illustrate that safety can be enhanced by addressing social, administrative, and spatial dimensions in conjunction, rather than relying solely on physical measures.
Examples from Turkey reveal that significant steps regarding awareness and implementation have been taken in this field. These include women-focused local equality policies in Trabzon and safety initiatives in İzmir.
Spatial assessments regarding the perception of safety demonstrate a sensitivity to the issue. In the case of Istanbul, a more comprehensive approach—integrating transportation, digital services, and social support mechanisms—stands out.
In this context, for a women- and child-friendly approach to urban safety to yield effective results, urban policies must not be limited solely to interventions that regulate the physical environment. Spatial elements such as lighting, visibility, pedestrian access, safe transportation, and public space design must be addressed in conjunction with social services, digital support mechanisms, awareness-raising initiatives, and participatory governance models. It is particularly essential—for the creation of fairer and safer cities—to view women and children not merely as groups requiring protection, but as active stakeholders whose experiences must be taken into account when shaping urban policies. As applications like KADES and similar tools (such as "Güvenlik Çağır" and "İstanbul Senin")—which provide immediate law enforcement and auxiliary support—become more widespread and expand their reach, their deterrent effect will increase, and practices will evolve toward creating truly women-friendly cities.
In conclusion, a women- and child-friendly approach to urban safety is a vital component of modern urban management. A safe city is not merely a space where risks are minimized; it is a city that offers a living environment where women and children can use public spaces freely, safely, and equitably at any time of day. Therefore, the cities of the future should not be viewed merely as physically planned areas, but as living spaces that must be reimagined based on the principles of social equality, accessibility, and human dignity.
It must not be forgotten that a city where children are safe serves as a guarantee for everything else. With longing for streets where children run about freely…
Elif ARSLAN Tuğçe COŞKUNER
Education Specialist Quality Specialist
5. References
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Efe Güney, M., & Üstündağ, Ö. (2020). Criteria for women-friendly park design.
Efe Güney, M., et al. (2022). Evaluation of safety criteria within the scope of the women-friendly urban planning approach: The case of Çiğli.
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Frauen-Werk-Stadt. (2011). Women-oriented housing projects in Vienna.
Illien, M. (2021). Gender-sensitive urban planning in Vienna.
İETT. (2022). Report on the practice of alighting outside designated stops at night.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. (2023). Report on women-friendly city practices.
IMM Department of Social Services. (2024). Activity report on services for women.
Jacobs, J. (1961). The death and life of great American cities.
Karakuzu, H. (2021). Child-friendly street practices.
Kavili Arap, S. (2024). Child-friendly city practices in Turkey.
Newman, O. (1972). Defensible space.
OECD. (2021). Safe cities and inclusive urban policies.
Öktem, M., & Akpınar, M. (2019). Children's participation in local government.
Safer Travel. (2009). Women’s transport safety campaign report.
Tosun, E. K. (2015). Sustainable city and women-friendly city approach.
UN-Habitat. (2010). Safe cities for women and girls programme.
UNICEF. (2024a). Child friendly cities initiative report.
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[1] Yıkıcı, A., & Salman, T. (2022). The relationship between women and the city in the context of the women-friendly city.
[2] Tosun, E. K. (2015). Sustainable city and women-friendly city approach.
[3] Kavili Arap, S. (2024). Child-friendly city practices in Turkey; Tosun, E. K. (2015). op. cit.
[4] Efe Güney, M., et al. (2022). Evaluation of the safety criterion within the scope of the women-friendly city planning approach: The case of Çiğli.
[5] Jacobs, J. (1961). The death and life of great American cities.
[6] Newman, O. (1972). Defensible space.
[7] Efe Güney, M., et al. (2022). op. cit.
[8] Efe Güney, M., et al. (2022). op. cit.
[9] Efe Güney, M., et al. (2022). op. cit.
[10] Illien, M. (2021). Gender-sensitive urban planning in Vienna.
[11] Damyanovic, D., Reinwald, F., & Weikmann, N. (2013). Gender mainstreaming in urban planning and development.
[12] Baykan, D. (2015). Gender mainstreaming in urban planning. ; CIVITAS. (2020). Gender equality in urban mobility planning.
[13] Frauen-Werk-Stadt. (2011). Women-oriented housing projects in Vienna.
[14]
Safer Travel. (2009). Women’s transport safety campaign report.
[15] UNICEF. (2024a). Child-friendly cities initiative report.
[16] UNICEF. (2024a). Child-friendly cities initiative report.
[17] Kavili Arap, S. (2024). Ibid.
[18] Çelebi, N., et al. (2014). Institutional mechanisms for combating violence against women in Turkey.
[19] Çelebi, N., et al. (2014). Ibid.
[20] Efe Güney, M., & Üstündağ, Ö. (2020). Criteria for women-friendly park design.
[21] Efe Güney, M., & Üstündağ, Ö. (2020). Ibid.
[22] Karakuzu, H. (2021). Child-friendly street practices; Yazgan, M. (2017). Public space and child-friendly city policies.
[23] Aydoğan, B. (2020). The effects of child-friendly street practices on urban space.
[24] Öktem, M., & Akpınar, M. (2019). Children's participation in local government.
[25] Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. (2023). Women-friendly city practices report.
[26] IETT. (2022). Report on the practice of alighting outside designated stops at night.
[27] European Commission. (2020). Gender equality strategy and urban safety policies; UN-Habitat. (2010). Safe cities for women and girls programme.
[28] OECD. (2021). Safe cities and inclusive urban policies.
[29] UN-Habitat. (2010). Ibid.
[30] European Commission. (2020). Ibid.; OECD. (2021). Ibid.
[31] Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services. (2024). Women's services activity report.