Page 109 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Redesigning public spaces in South Africa

country. It emphasizes the rights to equality, human HopeScape model builds on these policies by providing
dignity, and freedom, laying a strong foundation a practical approach to designing inclusive public spaces
for gender equality. Section 9 of the Constitution that reflect the principles of gender equality and inclusivity.
specifically prohibits discrimination on the grounds The World Economic Forum (WEF) has tracked global
of gender, sex, and other characteristics, thereby progress toward narrowing the gender gap since 2006 (The
mandating the creation of inclusive public spaces World Economic Forum, 2023). This index—the longest-

that do not marginalize any group (Republic of running of its kind—measures global progress toward
South Africa, 1996). gender parity. The metrics are reviewed annually, and
(ii) The White Paper on National Policy for Gender the most recent study reveals that, at the current rate of
Equality (1998) aims to promote gender equality development, gender equality will take another 132 years
across all sectors, including urban planning and public to achieve (The World Economic Forum, 2023).
space design. It emphasizes the need for gender- South Africa supports the aforementioned WEF global
sensitive policies and practices to create environments policies and has consequently developed local strategies to
that cater to the needs of women and girls. This facilitate policy implementation and attainment. The right
policy framework has been instrumental in guiding to equality is guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution,
municipalities and urban planners in incorporating regardless of gender, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
gender considerations into their designs (Department This has led to the development of a human rights-based
of Women, 1997). legal framework capable of addressing and combating
(iii) SPLUMA (2013): SPLUMA provides a comprehensive gender disparity across the country. In 2020, the National
framework for spatial planning and land use Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and
management in South Africa. One of its key objectives Femicide was released. According to a preface by President
is to promote spatial justice and equity, ensuring Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is one of the most dangerous
that public spaces are inclusive and accessible to places in the world for women. Power (2020) notes that
all. SPLUMA mandates municipalities to consider the COVID-19 pandemic worsened this situation, as
the needs of different gender groups in their spatial services for individuals affected by gender-based violence
development frameworks and land use schemes were disrupted by lockdown restrictions, and incidents of
(Republic of South Africa, 1996).
(iv) The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030: The gender-based violence surged due to “stay-in-place” orders
NDP 2030 outlines a vision for South Africa’s future, that trapped women in unsafe homes.
emphasizing the importance of inclusive cities. It The NSP encompasses a wide range of national
calls for the creation of public spaces that are safe measures, all of which are linked in some way to gender
and accessible for all, with specific attention to the equality. Without detailing each component, it is evident
needs of women and girls. The plan advocates for that gender remains a central priority on South Africa’s
urban environments that promote social cohesion and agenda. Nevertheless, progress has been uneven and slow.
inclusivity, recognizing that these elements are critical The large number of policies, culminating in the 2020 NSP,
for the overall development of the country (National demonstrates South Africa’s capacity to develop strong
Planning Commission, 2012). frameworks, yet also reveals its persistent challenges in
(v) The Gender Policy Framework for Local Government implementation and effective administration.
(2011): This framework provides guidelines for local The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
governments to mainstream gender into their policies, established in 1996, forms the foundation of the country’s
programs, and activities. It highlights the importance gender equality policy framework. It enshrines the principle
of designing public spaces that cater to the needs of of gender equality, prohibits gender discrimination, and
women and girls, ensuring their participation in public acknowledges the need for affirmative action to address past
life. The framework calls for the incorporation of gender-based injustices. In line with its authority over the
gender-responsive budgeting and planning processes national gender program, the Presidency requested Cabinet
to create inclusive public spaces (Republic of South approval of the policy framework developed by the Office
Africa, 1996). on the Status of Women. Originally titled South Africa’s
These policies collectively form a robust framework National Policy Framework for Women’s Empowerment and
that guides the creation of inclusive public spaces in Gender Equality, this document is now referred to as the
South Africa. They ensure that gender considerations Gender Policy Framework. The Gender Policy Framework
are integrated into urban planning and design processes, provides crucial assessment and monitoring mechanisms,
addressing the specific needs of women and girls. The with key indicators including: improved access for women

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 103 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5813