Women Utilization of Urban Green Spaces in Jordan

  1. Zayed Zeadat

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Abstract

This study seeks to comprehend the complex and diverse dynamics of women's encounters with urban green areas in the specific setting of Jordan. The utilization of the focus group methodology facilitated the organization of unstructured talks involving a cohort of twenty-seven female participants, which yielded intricate and perceptive perspectives on their opinions. This study revealed a widespread pattern of stigmatization and unfavorable assessment of women who utilize public areas, which is strongly ingrained in cultural norms and gender expectations. Women were also concerned about the potential harm to their reputation and the censure of society, which ultimately deterred women from participating in public spheres. The research thus centers on the close proximity and insufficiency of urban green areas in Jordan, which is worsened by high urban density. Insufficient lighting and security measures are responsible for further limiting women's access to areas like these, which also raises concerns about safety. Recent evidence has revealed deficiencies in infrastructure designed to accommodate the needs of women, particularly in public restroom facilities. This study emphasizes the immediate necessity for a fundamental change in urban policy and planning, towards more inclusive approaches. Within this strategic framework for urban policy, there is a strong emphasis on incorporating aesthetics, comfort, and safety elements to enhance the whole urban experience for women. Consequently, addressing this issue necessitates using gender-responsive strategies in urban design and planning. This includes enhancing the quality, cleanliness, and privacy aspects of facilities to cater to the specific needs of women and improve their overall well-being. This study contends that any ongoing discussion on sustainable urban development in Jordan must take into account the interaction between urbanization, accessibility to public spaces, and the well-being of women. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a worldwide effort to advocate for urban policies that include both genders. This program aims to propose innovative approaches to governance, security measures, and municipal infrastructures that are sensitive to gender-related issues.

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  1. PREreview

    This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/13692110.

    The article provides an in-depth exploration of a critical area of urban planning in Jordan, highlighting the intersection of gender and public space utilization. Its strengths lie in its qualitative methodology and rich thematic analysis. Minor adjustments in structure and clarity, along with a more visual representation of data, could enhance its impact.

    This work advances the field by highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into urban policy and planning, thereby advocating for sustainable and inclusive urban environments that enhance the well-being of all residents, particularly women. The findings serve as a call to action for urban planners and policymakers to develop strategies that create equitable access to UGS, fostering a more inclusive urban experience.

    Major issues

    Limited Representation: The research may not encompass the experiences of all women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, potentially overlooking unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

    Policy Impact: There may be a gap in translating the research findings into actionable policy changes, limiting the potential for real-world impact

    Minor issues

    Clarity in Terminology: The use of specific terms related to urban planning and gender studies could be better defined for clarity, especially for readers unfamiliar with the field.

    Structure of Findings: A clearer organization of key findings might improve readability, such as categorizing barriers by type (cultural, infrastructural, safety).

    Recommendations Section: A dedicated section outlining specific, actionable recommendations for urban planners could improve the practical applicability of the research conclusions.

    Competing interests

    The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

  2. Version published to 10.20944/preprints202408.1803.v1