Towards Women-friendly Urban Public Spaces: Lesson Learned from Downtown Areas in Egypt and Jordan | ||||
MSA Engineering Journal | ||||
Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2025, Page 57-70 | ||||
Document Type: Original Article | ||||
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Author | ||||
Zeina ElZein ![]() ![]() | ||||
Architecture Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University | ||||
Abstract | ||||
Urban design has a profound impact on the activities and functions that take place within a city or community. This study explores the design of public spaces that are welcoming and accessible to women in a specific culture context, with a focus on downtown in Cairo, Egypt, and Amman in Jordan. Women often encounter obstacles when trying to access public spaces, such as safety, limited accessibility, and the influence of cultural norms. The research seeks to identify effective measures for improving safety, inclusivity, and usability for women. The conclusion reveals factors that contribute to creating safer and more inclusive spaces. Habibah Square in Amman highlights the success of accessible infrastructure and community-focused design, while downtown Cairo demonstrates the need for improvements in pedestrian pathways, lighting, and transportation. The study recommends the integration of safety measures, better accessibility, and community involvement to develop public spaces that are culturally sensitive, and women-inclusive in similar cities in terms of culture and urban design. | ||||
Keywords | ||||
Built Environment; Urban Spaces; Urban Design; Sustainable Development; Inclusive Spaces | ||||
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