Page 105 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

Table 1. International case studies of inclusive public spaces

Variables The city of Vienna, Austria The city of Copenhagen, Denmark The city of Tunis, Tunisia
Principles of Incorporates gender mainstreaming in Places strong emphasis on community Implement specific initiatives,
inclusivity in urban planning to create spaces that meet involvement in the design process to ensure such as the Femmedina program,
planning and the needs of all genders. Emphasizes public spaces align with local needs. Designs are aimed at transforming public
design of public lighting, clear sightlines, and surveillance made adaptable for various activities, fostering spaces to be more welcoming for
space to enhance safety, particularly for women. social interaction and community building. women. Measures such as improved
Ensures public spaces are accessible to Incorporates green spaces and sustainable lighting and enhanced visibility are
everyone, including individuals with materials to improve environmental quality and introduced to increase safety for
disabilities and parents with strollers. usability. Integrate design elements that cater women and girls. Spaces are designed
Public spaces should reflect and celebrate to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring to respect and reflect local cultural
the diversity of the community, including inclusivity. contexts and practices. Facilities
distinct cultural expressions. include clean public restrooms,
seating areas, and play spaces for
children.
Legislative (i) Gender Mainstreaming Ordinance: (i) Copenhagen Municipal Plan: Highlights (i) The Femmedina program: An
framework Mandates the integration of gender community involvement and sustainable initiative aimed at transforming
perspectives in all urban planning development, ensuring public spaces meet the public spaces to be more inclusive
projects to ensure inclusivity. needs of a diverse population. for women, supported by local
(ii) Vienna Women’s Office (Frauenbüro): (ii) Strategic Framework for Sustainable legislation.
Established to oversee the Development: Focuses on inclusive and (ii) National Strategy for Gender
implementation of gender-sensitive sustainable urban growth, including the Equality: A framework that
policies and projects in urban design of multifunctional public spaces. promotes gender equality in all
development. (iii) Local Government Act: Supports citizen aspects of public life, including
(iii) City of Vienna’s Urban Development participation in urban planning processes to urban planning.
Plan: Includes specific guidelines ensure spaces reflect community needs. (iii) Municipal Law on Public Spaces:
for creating gender-sensitive and Provides regulations that guide
inclusive public spaces. the design and maintenance of
inclusive public spaces in urban
areas.
Thematically (i) Implementing gender-sensitive urban (i) Emphasizing community involvement in (i) Programs such as the Femmedina
deductive lessons planning ensures public spaces meet urban planning fosters a sense of ownership program demonstrate the
for South Africa the needs of all genders. The Vienna and ensures that public spaces reflect the impact of targeted initiatives in
Women’s Office plays a pivotal role needs of diverse groups. The Copenhagen transforming public spaces to be
in incorporating gender perspectives Municipal Plan and Strategic Framework more inclusive for women. These
in urban projects, resulting in safer for Sustainable Development highlight the programs, supported by national
and more accessible public spaces for importance of citizen participation in creating strategies for gender equality,
women and girls. multifunctional, inclusive spaces. underscore the importance of
(ii) Designing public spaces with safety (ii) Integrating sustainability with inclusivity focused efforts to address specific
in mind—such as installing well- ensures that public spaces are not only needs within urban planning
lit pathways and ensuring open accessible and welcoming but also frameworks.
sightlines—enhances the sense of environmentally friendly. Copenhagen’s (ii) The integration of gender
security for women and girls. Vienna’s Strategic Framework for Sustainable equality policies within the
approach to integrating safety Development exemplifies how these municipal framework ensures
measures in public space design serves principles can be combined, demonstrating that inclusivity remains a
as a model for creating environments how urban spaces can be both inclusive and core consideration in urban
where all users feel safe. sustainable. development. The National
(iii) Designing public spaces to serve multiple Strategy for Gender Equality in
functions caters to the diverse needs Tunisia provides a strong policy
of urban populations. Examples from basis for creating public spaces
Copenhagen show how spaces can that accommodate the needs of
simultaneously support recreation, social women and girls.
interaction, and community events, making
them more inclusive and vibrant.
Source: Rampaul & Magidimisha-Chipungu (2022).

systematically evaluating and addressing the varying spaces. This proactive approach includes gender impact
demands and behaviors of men and women during evaluations to ensure that new initiatives are inclusive
the planning, design, and development stages of public from their inception (Kail, 2005).

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 99 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813