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International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

The city’s urban design principles prioritize accessibility inequality in the use of public spaces and serves as a model
for all, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and for other cities seeking to enhance inclusivity in urban
parents with strollers. Public spaces feature wide walkways, environments. The Femmedina program was developed in
ramps, seating areas, and other amenities designed to make response to growing recognition that women in Tunisian
them comfortable and navigable for everyone (Förster, cities—particularly in densely populated areas such as the
2016). For example, parks and recreational spaces have medina—often face multiple barriers to fully engaging with
been reimagined to include facilities catering to diverse public spaces. These barriers include safety concerns, lack
age groups and needs—from play areas for children to of amenities, and limited consideration of women’s needs
quiet zones for older adults. These efforts foster a sense of in the design and maintenance of urban environments. The
belonging and ensure that no demographic feels excluded program’s core objective was to reimagine public spaces to
or marginalized. be gender-responsive, ensuring that these spaces promote
Safety is another cornerstone of Vienna’s inclusive social interaction, enhance safety, and improve accessibility
design philosophy. Recognizing that women and girls often for all, particularly for women and girls (Jabeen, 2020).
face heightened vulnerabilities in urban settings, the city The Femmedina program adopts a participatory
has implemented measures such as enhanced lighting, clear planning approach, wherein women are not merely
sightlines, and the deployment of security personnel to consulted but are actively involved in the design and
create safer environments (Kail, 2013). These interventions transformation of their urban environments. Local women,
are crucial in mitigating the fear of crime, enabling women community groups, and women’s organizations played an
and other vulnerable groups to participate more actively in integral role in identifying the challenges they faced in the
community life. public realm. Issues such as inadequate lighting, poorly

A defining feature of Vienna’s approach is its emphasis maintained streets, and a lack of spaces for social gatherings
on participatory planning. The city engages communities were highlighted as key obstacles to women’s engagement
through public consultations, workshops, and seminars with public spaces (Soraganvi et al., 2021). In response, the
to ensure that the voices of diverse stakeholders are Femmedina program implemented several interventions,
incorporated into urban design decisions (Förster, 2016). including improved street lighting, the introduction of new
This inclusive process not only enhances the relevance of public amenities, safer walking routes, and community-led
public spaces but also strengthens community ownership cleaning initiatives. These improvements aimed to address
and trust in local governance. the immediate needs of women while also promoting a
greater sense of ownership and community involvement.
For South Africa, Vienna offers a robust model of The success of these efforts is evident in the increased
gender-sensitive urban planning that is both practical and use of public spaces by women, particularly after dark,
adaptable. The city’s systematic use of data, community following the installation of enhanced lighting and security
engagement, and targeted safety measures provides measures (Soraganvi et al., 2021). This has had the added
transferable insights that can inform the design of more benefit of making these spaces more accessible for people
inclusive public spaces in South African cities. By adopting of all genders and ages, reinforcing the idea that designing
similar strategies, such as gender impact evaluations public spaces for women ultimately benefits the entire
and participatory design processes, South African urban community (Jabeen, 2020).
planners can address the barriers that limit women’s access
to public spaces and create environments that are equitable One of the key lessons from the Femmedina
and welcoming for all. Vienna’s success illustrates that a program is the importance of community engagement
city designed with a “female face” benefits not only women and participation in the planning process. By directly
but society as a whole, offering a powerful example of how involving women in decision-making, the program
inclusive urban planning can transform communities. ensured that implemented changes aligned with their
needs and lived experiences. This participatory model
3.1.2. Tunis: The Femmedina program as a model for fostered a sense of empowerment among women, who
inclusive public spaces were able to witness the tangible outcomes of their
Tunis has become a notable case study in the global involvement. Another important lesson is the need for
conversation on inclusive urban planning, largely due a multifaceted approach to urban design. The program
to the Femmedina program—an initiative focused on demonstrated that improving public spaces requires more
transforming public spaces in the historic medina of than physical modifications—it also demands attention
Tunis to better meet the needs of women and girls. This to the social and cultural dimensions that shape public
program exemplifies a targeted effort to address gender space usage (Soraganvi et al., 2021).

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 100 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813