Beyond Day and Night: Unveiling the Multifaceted Dynamics of Women's Perceived Safety in Public Spaces

Abstract

Public spaces (PS) are essential components of urban landscapes, providing opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. Despite their importance, women often face safety concerns when using these spaces. This study examines the complexities of women's safety in PS in Bhopal, India, employing a mixed-methods approach. The research examines two distinct PS frequented by women, delving into the subtle dimensions of safety perceptions. Quantitative analysis, including principal component analysis and ordered logistic regression, investigates the intricate relationships between factors affecting women's perceived safety. The qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and focus groups provide a set of intricate insights pertaining to various factors shaping women's experiences. By considering safety as a dynamic interplay of the "space-time fabric," the research goes beyond static interpretations, acknowledging how safety perceptions are influenced by both the physical attributes and temporal contexts of space. This holistic approach aims to reveal the latent dynamics that shape women's interactions with PS and reinforce the notion of safer and more inclusive urban environments.

Keywords: Women's safety, Public spaces, Spatio-temporal dimension, Perceived safety in day and night