Rethinking Urban Landscapes: Women's Spaces and the Dynamics of Third Places

The paper examines the role of women-only parks (WOPs) in urban settings as a means of asserting women's right to the city. Drawing on a combined qualitative content and sentiment analysis approach, the paper analyses literature and documents related to WOPs in addition to an exploratory collective case study in Egypt. The analysis highlights the ways in which these parks can serve as a "third place" for women, offering a safe and welcoming environment for socializing, exercising, and engaging in various activities. The paper also explores the challenges and controversies surrounding WOPs, including concerns about exclusivity and potential backlash. The paper concludes that a more effective approach to creating inclusive public spaces for women is to incorporate gender mainstreaming principles into the design and management of public parks, as well as engage women in decision-making processes to ensure that their needs and perspectives are taken into account. Addressing the root causes of harassment and violence against women in public spaces is also crucial, by providing education, awareness-raising, and prevention programs. Additionally, parks should be accessible and welcoming to everyone, and community engagement and participation should be promoted to foster a sense of ownership and belonging. To enhance safety and security, adequate lighting, signage, surveillance, and security measures should be provided. Lastly, the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of public parks is essential for their continued success and sustainability.