Date of Publication :11th August 2023

Abstract: Women haven’t been able to access spaces or lay claim to the city as citizens as their male counterparts since time immemorial. Gender can no longer be considered an isolated entity of inquiry that is solely based on anthropology. The presence of gendered spaces in urban realms is reflective of the lopsided development that fails substantially in creating equity and identity. It is imperative to rectify age-old approaches to spaces that are rooted in prejudice and to capacitate women to re-occupy and reclaim spaces that they have been deprived of. An exhaustive study pertaining to the negotiation of women with spaces and reasons for doing so provides insight into the historically labyrinthine relationship. Apart from comprehending the reasons for the presence of gendered spaces, the need to acknowledge the negative consequences of the disproportionate development of spaces leading to the marginalization of a particular gender is exigent. The massive potential of gender neutrality is yet to be realized and the study compares several case studies of different strata and backgrounds to highlight the need of the hour. The stupefying observation that the average woman’s network or mobility is highly restricted to the nature of her work and duties is reflective of how women are merely commuters in the public realm. The creation of gender-neutral spaces and cities has the potential to revolutionize the public realm holistically, beyond one’s comprehension.

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