Identifying women's preferred activities and elements of private green spaces in informal settlements of Kabul city

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate women’s preferred activities and elements of private green spaces in informal settlements of Kabul city. This study was conducted in three of the 22 police districts (PDs) of Kabul city, which included 400 women. The women were selected using a non-probability sampling technique of convenience sampling. A survey was conducted using questionnaire. ‘Recreational activities’ were the most preferred group of activities by both the owners and visitors of private green spaces. This could be due to the nature of private green spaces which can provide recreational opportunities. As far as the elements are concerned, a mix of softscape and hardscape elements were preferred the most. Majority of the items in the first construct were aesthetic elements. The women’s preference for aesthetic elements, both softscape and hardscape, can be understood from the ability of these elements to respond to the recreational need. There was no statistically significant difference in preferred activities and elements of women who had private green space at home-owners and those who did not have private green space-visitors. There was a statistically significant difference in the preferred activities of owners as well as visitors differentiated by employment status, marital status, age groups, educational level and ethnic groups. The output of this research can be used as a planning tool in responding to the environmental needs of women in informal settlements of Kabul city and other similar areas. The results can also be used by authorities for upgrading projects as well as by the head of households to fulfil the environmental needs of their women.