Finding the Light: How Positive Stories From Women Can Remake Our Public Places

Written by Katrina Hill

Placemaking — the art of shaping public spaces — is often dominated by architectural blueprints and utilitarian designs. But what if we, as Urban Professionals shift our focus from mere functionality to the stories that breathe life into our urban landscapes? What if we listen to women's voices and let their narratives guide our placemaking endeavours?

Reading a recent article entitled More Than Sage Streets: How Women’s Positive Stories Transform Cities by a Venetian author, it occurred to me that for far too long, conversations about safety in public spaces, particularly for women, have been dominated by fear. We hear endless reports of harassment, assault, and a general sense of unease. This constant negativity paints a bleak picture, discouraging women from fully utilising their cities and fostering a climate of anxiety. But what if we shifted the narrative, from not only just about safety, but to how helping people feel safe whilst designing inclusive spaces for all is the overall goal? 

The Power of Positive Stories

Imagine asking women, "Where do you feel most alive in the CBD?" or "Out at night, what makes you feel a sense of belonging?"  These questions help create a focus on positive experiences, highlighting the aspects of urban design and community interaction that create a sense of security and joy rather than focusing on ‘safety’ for women infrastructure needs.

By sharing these positive stories, we achieve several things. Firstly, we celebrate the existing spaces that work for women. This empowers pacemakers and community leaders to identify and replicate these successful elements in other areas.  Secondly, it allows us to understand the balance between ensuring a city’s inhabitants feel safe, whilst creating accessible inclusive spaces for women to enjoy their daily lives. Uplifting narratives showcase the potential for vibrant, inclusive public spaces enjoyed by all.

Highlighting positive stories also disrupts negativity. It demonstrates the possibility of safe and enjoyable urban experiences for women. This, in turn, encourages more women to utilise public spaces, injecting vibrancy and fostering a sense of community.

Building on Existing Strengths

When we have vibrant Public Spaces that are busy, well-maintained parks and that allow for "eyes on the street," and spaces which are inclusive and accessible for all then women are able to enjoy these spaces. They showcase the power of vibrant public life and foster a sense of community, even on a small scale beyond the boundaries of the place.

So, where do we find these positive stories? Look to the women already thriving in your city. Ask them which spaces they enjoy and why. Here are some thoughts from my colleagues:

Lesley Turner (Launceston): Community Gardens foster a strong sense of ownership and belonging. Women who participate in these spaces often report feeling a sense of connection and safety due to the supportive, collaborative environment.

Kristie Giblin (Launceston): The library is a thoughtful and accessible space with services beyond ‘book borrowing’ filled with vibrancy, a place to sit and a lived-in feel.

Alex Hibberd (Hobart): In a park under a tree. Urban green spaces with a lived-in feel, perhaps a little older and shabbier, and you can love the space and smell the tree itself.
 

Moving Forward: A Holistic Approach

By collecting and amplifying positive stories, peacemakers and community leaders can work with women to identify the design elements and social interactions that contribute to a sense of security and belonging. This approach fosters trust and empowers women to become active participants in shaping their cities, streets and public spaces.

By celebrating the positive experiences of women in our cities, we can illuminate a path towards a brighter, and more inclusive future for all. It declares to everyone that we are looking deeper for solutions.

We need to ensure that as we view our public spaces with a safety-centred lens, we combine this with the impact that a well designed space can have on a women's everyday life. By sharing joyful stories, we empower women to shape their urban environments. Their perspectives matter, and their voices deserve a place in city planning. This narrative shift will help acknowledge problem-centric thinking but also ensure we embrace the beauty of everyday interactions.

These stories remind us that cities are more than infrastructure — they’re vibrant places for human connection.