WSP shines a light on women’s safety in public spaces

Our Strategic Advisory team and global WSP colleagues are bringing a women’s safety lens to a range of projects that involve planning, design and upgrading public spaces.

Sophie Drysdale, Associate Principal, is passionate about her team’s work and the vision of a safer and more empowered future for all women and gender-diverse people.

“We’re seeing heightened public attention on women’s safety,” says Sophie, “and there’s increased understanding in the community and among all levels of government about the need for greater action so that women can feel safe in their homes and in the public realm.”

It’s well understood that women in Australia experience higher rates of financial insecurity and lower levels of superannuation despite their greater contribution to unpaid work in the home. What people may not be aware of are the sobering statistics around women’s perceptions of safety in public spaces.

Feeling unsafe undermines women’s use of public and active transport, which impacts their educational, employment and life opportunities, as well as impacting their health and wellbeing.

“If women feel safer in public places, there would be countless benefits for our local, regional and national communities and economies, and our carbon footprint,” says Sophie.

Solutions must be informed by evidence and an understanding of lived experience

WSP is supporting actions and initiatives to enhance women’s safety. However, Sophie emphasises that interventions need to be grounded in research and data and to embrace the diverse experiences and voices of women and gender diverse community members across the spectrum of age, ability, culture, income, faith and geography.

The team has undertaken targeted and place-based research and engagement including with women and girls, police, representatives of government agencies, schools and tertiary institutions, councils, community, business and support groups to gain valuable insights on specific places and projects.

“We think it is important that research is designed and conducted by women with women who have lived experience of a particular environment,” says Sophie, “so that design solutions, planning and policy are informed by the real-life experiences and priorities of women and girls in all their diversity.”

Incorporating women’s perspectives into infrastructure

The team has designed and led women’s safety audits, survey research and co-design to enhance public spaces including major transport hubs, train stations, women’s shelters and parks and public spaces.

“The WSP team uses a scorecard approach and direct engagement to shape our technical engineering solutions,” says Sophie.

Everyone has a role in supporting change

The conversation about change needs to involve those with a role in planning, designing and delivering infrastructure projects.

“We can support our clients to identify how to build the safety of women, girls and gender-diverse community members into their projects in meaningful, place-appropriate ways,” says Sophie. “The opportunities associated with improving women’s perceptions of safety can deliver lasting value.”

You can help to drive change in your communities, cities and regions, through the work you do by:

• Starting the conversation with your team and clients

• Identifying opportunities to showcase our expertise where the safety of women, girls, and gender diverse community members is a project requirement in a particular jurisdiction

• Exploring women’s safety initiatives near you

• Contacting our team and consider local partnerships to help strengthen your offer

• Supporting those around you to feel empowered and safe

• Building co-design into your projects.

“Women’s safety is an issue that’s relevant for everyone in our communities, cities and in all places around the world. Everyone can help to drive change for safer spaces and empowered communities that benefit women, girls and all members of the community.”

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