Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 PhD Candidate at University of Guilan
2 Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Design, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
In Iran, there is a clear need for urban spaces for women that are aligned with the civic needs of citizens in their daily urban life. Many Iranian cities, especially metropolitan areas, have become black holes; meaning that they swallow a large part of the capital but are ultimately unable to even provide a desirable living environment for women (Bayat, 2016). Urban space is a medium for the manifestation of social interactions and the expression of the cultural, political and ideological characteristics of each society, the core of which is shaped according to concepts such as social cohesion and equal access for citizens, including various minorities, to resources. Urban space does not only refer to the built environment, but is also the product of social actions that takes on meaning through human interactions and activities in space; therefore, one or more specific social groups, with their continuous, dominant and tangible presence in the urban space, can gradually inject specific physical and functional characteristics into it and ultimately lead to the emergence of forms of control, exclusion and deprivation of other social groups in it. One of the most prominent examples of spatial domination is gendering space based on the traditional view that the private sphere belongs to women and the public sphere belongs to men. This is a common phenomenon in patriarchal societies around the world and has continued from the past to the present. Although the intensity and extent of the gendering of urban spaces has decreased compared to the past, it still exists in various forms and levels, an undeniable tangible manifestation of social, gender and spatial inequalities (Fanni & Ahmadi, 1399).
Theoretical Framework
Henri Lefebvre, a well-known theorist and initiator of the right to the city theory, considers it a collective right for all citizens from all groups, beyond hierarchical and limiting identities such as citizenship, ethnicity, gender and social class. This right goes beyond mere access to urban facilities. It requires the inclusion of features and characteristics in the city that enhance the quality of life and address the diverse needs of all citizens (Fenster, 2006). This research, by applying the theoretical framework of Henri Lefebvre's right to the city theory and adopting a qualitative approach in methodology, tries to provide, in addition to assessing the indicators of this theory in the context of Rasht city, the necessary criteria and components for achieving a gender-inclusive city in the spatial context of Rasht city using the thematic analysis method. The main objectives of this research include identifying the components and criteria of a gender-inclusive city based on the right to the city theory and then developing a thematic map to achieve a gender-inclusive city in Rasht city.
Methodology
This research is a qualitative research that has been conducted using a case study approach. The case study is the city of Rasht, the center of Gilan province. The data collection method in this research is a combination of library research and field research. Library research was used to collect theoretical information and background information about the research topic. Field research was conducted to collect data from the research environment. The field research tools used in this research include interviews, observation and questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of urban planning, architecture, sociology and women's studies. Observation was carried out in different parts of the city of Rasht to identify the characteristics of the urban space and its gendered aspects. Questionnaires were distributed among women in the city of Rasht to collect their views on the characteristics of a gender-inclusive city.
Findings
"After analyzing the conducted interviews and extracting sub-themes, these sub-themes were categorized based on their main themes in the first step. The result was the identification of ten main themes: support, empowerment, monitoring, spatial appropriation, spatial control, accessibility, comfort, social motivation, gender equality, and social inclusion. In the next stage, the main themes were analyzed and categorized, and it was concluded from the interviewees' perspectives that there are four main components for achieving gender-inclusive urban spaces. After analyzing the interviews, the researchers found ten main themes related to gender inclusivity in urban spaces. These ten themes were grouped into four broader categories:
• Security: This includes feelings of safety and protection in public spaces.
• Environmental Characteristics of Space: This relates to the physical features of the space, such as design, accessibility, and comfort.
• Social Characteristics of Space: This refers to the social interactions and activities that take place in the space, including issues of control and power.
• Culture of Gender Equality: This encompasses broader societal attitudes and norms related to gender equality.
Each of these four main categories can be further broken down into more specific sub-themes. Essentially, the research shows that creating gender-inclusive cities requires a focus on safety, the physical environment, social interactions, and a broader cultural shift towards gender equality.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this research, a number of recommendations are made to improve the gendered urban space in the city of Rasht. These recommendations include:
• Networking and institutionalization to support women's activities
• Efforts to increase women's share in decision-making and power
• Empowering women for Risk Management
• Strengthening formal and public survilliance of urban spaces
• Recognizing urban spaces with predominantly female dominance
• Advocating for reforms to judicial laws that protect women's rights
• Creating urban spaces that are suitable for the activities that women want to do
• Increasing the participation of women in the decision-making process related to urban planning and design.
• Raising awareness of gender issues among urban planners, designers and decision-makers.
Conclusion
The achievement of a gender-inclusive city in Rasht city necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing both spatial and non-spatial measures. Spatial measures involve evaluating and establishing policies for the physical characteristics, design, and management of spaces. Non-spatial measures focus on social, economic, political, legal, and cultural aspects, requiring separate research for comprehensive understanding and analysis. This research distinguishes itself from previous studies by employing a qualitative approach to analyze the right to the city and emphasizing all dimensions of urban space gendering. The interview design ensures comprehensiveness, and the selection of interviewees encompasses a wide range of experts. This research endeavors to fill a gap in the existing literature by adopting a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach. Through an interdisciplinary analysis of cultural, social, economic, physical, institutional, and legal dimensions, this study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how gender inequalities are formed and perpetuated in urban spaces. By analyzing qualitative data and actively engaging with experts, this research aims to identify the barriers hindering the achievement of gender equality in urban environments and to propose practical solutions for creating inclusive, equitable, and accessible urban spaces for all.
Keywords
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