Safer Parks – Improving Access for Women and Girls

Parks and green spaces bring amazing benefits – to health, wellbeing and quality of life – for all. However, access to these places is not as equal as we might think. Statistics from the UK government show that women and girls are much more likely than men and boys to feel unsafe in parks. This means women and girls visit parks less frequently and for shorter stays – effectively limiting their access.

This problem is not unique to the UK. A number of other studies around the world confirm that parks are often less safe and less welcoming for women and girls compared to men and boys.

In this presentation Carl will explain the research on this topic conducted by Leeds University (Dr. Anna Barker), and present the innovative guidance co-produced with the Green Flag Award, UK charity Make Space for Girls and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Carl will also share some case studies, and also celebrate the further initiatives and progress that this guidance has inspired; such as national “Active Bystander Training”, online resources, collaborations between key organisations and the innovative use of 3D digital modelling to show a park “before and after” interventions.