A recent safety audit has identified serious concerns about the safety of women and adolescent girls in public spaces, pointing to inadequate infrastructure and social factors that together create a persistent sense of insecurity.
According to the findings, inadequate street lighting was identified as a key concern across all areas surveyed. "Several lanes and public spaces were poorly lit, making it difficult for residents to see their surroundings clearly after sunset," the report states, noting that the problem was particularly acute in narrow lanes, isolated stretches, and areas with limited lighting infrastructure.
The audit warns that poor visibility "can increase the fear of harassment and other forms of violence and make women and adolescent girls hesitant to move around independently, especially during the evening and night."
Groups of Men and Substance Use Cited
The audit also highlighted concerns about groups of boys and men gathering in certain public spaces and along street corners. While acknowledging that "the mere presence of groups does not necessarily indicate unsafe behaviour," the report notes that their presence in poorly lit or isolated locations "can create discomfort and a perceived sense of threat among women and adolescent girls, particularly when there is limited space to pass or alternative routes are unavailable." The report adds that these situations "can discourage girls from using certain streets or public spaces independently."
The presence of individuals engaging in substance use in some public spaces emerged as another safety concern. "Women and adolescent girls may feel particularly vulnerable when they encounter people under the influence of intoxicating substances, especially in dark or isolated lanes," the report found, adding that such situations "can increase their fear of harassment, confrontation, or unpredictable behaviour, limiting their willingness to move freely within their neighbourhoods."
A Persistent Sense of Insecurity
The combined effect of these environmental and social factors "contributes to a persistent sense of insecurity among women and adolescent girls," the audit found. "Even when no specific incident occurs, the possibility of harassment, the presence of isolated stretches, poor lighting, and discomfort in public spaces can influence how safe they feel in their own neighbourhoods."
The report warns that this fear "affects not only their physical mobility but also their confidence, independence, and ability to exercise their right to access public spaces equally."
Restrictions on Girls' Mobility
An important finding of the audit is the connection between unsafe public spaces and restrictions on girls' mobility. "When families perceive neighbourhoods as unsafe, they may impose restrictions on their daughters' movement as a precautionary measure," the report states, citing measures such as "asking girls to return home before sunset, preventing them from travelling alone, requiring someone to accompany them, or discouraging them from attending activities outside the home."
While such restrictions are often imposed with protective intent, the audit warns they "can have significant consequences for their lives." Girls may face difficulties attending educational institutions, vocational training programmes, skill-development classes, and employment opportunities. Their participation in sports, social activities, community meetings, and other public events may also be limited.
"Over time, these restrictions can affect their confidence, independence, decision-making abilities, and opportunities for personal development," the report concludes.
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