The debate of a gender sensitive place is not new. Scholars have argued and many architects have designed structures augmenting gender sensitivity. The approach of this article claims the same and no doubt, has highlighted on some very specific aspects nicely.
However, I would like to comment on a fact that has been making me think for a very long time. No offence to anyone but I have always felt that securing a place for women in particular marks them as more vulnerable and this is not the kind of equality we aim to achieve some day.
Community Participation in planning process doesn’t exist in india. We need to deliberately provide opportunities for local public (educate them if necessary about their rights and responsibilities) to participating in this decision making process as it is going to affect them. Only when they accept the changes to their communities, any decision can be successful. Moreover, they become tools for corrupt as there would be no transparency. Urban planning is not just about land use and transportation/environment planning it also, if not primarily, about the process (how any decisions are made that are going to affect the community). Before telling what planners do, they must be given right environment and protection to enforce this process. Also educate the public about their citizenship rights and responsibilities. Include Citizenship roles and responsibilities in schools. Otherwise, every thing will remain in shelves and peoples lives will never improve. Planners also take active role in educating public and politicians.
The debate of a gender sensitive place is not new. Scholars have argued and many architects have designed structures augmenting gender sensitivity. The approach of this article claims the same and no doubt, has highlighted on some very specific aspects nicely.
However, I would like to comment on a fact that has been making me think for a very long time. No offence to anyone but I have always felt that securing a place for women in particular marks them as more vulnerable and this is not the kind of equality we aim to achieve some day.
Community Participation in planning process doesn’t exist in india. We need to deliberately provide opportunities for local public (educate them if necessary about their rights and responsibilities) to participating in this decision making process as it is going to affect them. Only when they accept the changes to their communities, any decision can be successful. Moreover, they become tools for corrupt as there would be no transparency. Urban planning is not just about land use and transportation/environment planning it also, if not primarily, about the process (how any decisions are made that are going to affect the community). Before telling what planners do, they must be given right environment and protection to enforce this process. Also educate the public about their citizenship rights and responsibilities. Include Citizenship roles and responsibilities in schools. Otherwise, every thing will remain in shelves and peoples lives will never improve. Planners also take active role in educating public and politicians.