Safe and Inclusive Urban Public Spaces: A Gendered Perspective. The Case of Attica’s Public Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in everyday life, including restrictions on social activities and physical separation. Urban public spaces have become popular places for people to relax and socialize while keeping physical distance. Gender and other social identities, on the other hand, have a major influence on people's perceptions of safety in these public places. The goal of this research was to look into the relationship between perceptions of safety, relaxation, and gender in urban public places during the pandemic. The study's findings revealed that women were more likely than men to report feeling unsafe in public places. This result indicates that gender identity influences women's perceptions of safety in public places. Furthermore, women's feelings of insecurity hampered their ability to relax and enjoy these spaces, possibly limiting their access to public spaces and the benefits they provide. There is an obvious interrelation between easily accessible open public spaces and safety The study's findings outline the significance of inclusive design and planning for public spaces in order to guarantee safety and promote well-being.