This session is a political and playful exploration of women's public realm experiences, featuring a talk and on-site space activation where women (and their children) would be invited to participate in public play. Cities are places of social connection, delight, and opportunity, yet each day women face obstructed mobility, harassment, and violence while navigating public places. Design is not neutral; space is gendered. Domestic space associated with nurturing and child-rearing was conceived as a women’s space. The city, a space of exploration and economic opportunity, was conceived as a man’s space. Women especially those from historically marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by public space design and programming. Equally important, women are rarely emboldened to pursue play in public spaces.
This talk and space activation will: Provide an intersectional overview of the gendered nature of public spaces; Introduce the idea of talking about gender and public space in a holistic manner extending beyond safety exploring delight, play and freedom; Unpack the benefits of women playing in public; Guide women through a public play session.
