The discourse on urban design and public space accessibility often overlooks the nuanced experiences of women, particularly how their interactions with the urban environment evolve through different stages of life. Despite indices indicating that women tend to have higher life expectancies than men—78.7 years for women compared to 72.3 years for men in India (World Bank, 2021)—the quality of life for women remains compromised. This research, conducted in Mumbai, aims to explore the intersection of gender, urban planning, and public health, focusing on the diverse needs of women at various life stages and how inadequate urban facilities adversely affect their physical and mental health.

In childhood, girls face limited access to public open spaces. Public parks and recreational areas are often dominated by boys engaging in sports like football or cricket, limiting young girls and restricting their play to private or indoor spaces. This gendered allocation of space impacts girls’ physical activity levels and social development. As they transition into adolescence, societal restrictions become more pronounced. The onset of puberty often marks a decline in girls’ participation in sports and outdoor activities, exacerbated by a lack of safe and inclusive public spaces. Studies indicate that teenage girls in India drop out of sports due to safety concerns and societal pressures (KPMG, 2016).

Entering adulthood, women encounter further challenges with inadequate sanitation facilities in public spaces and transportation. This inadequacy is linked to a range of health issues, including urinary tract infections and menstrual health problems, impacting their overall well-being. Additionally, the burden of domestic labor, disproportionately borne by women, limits their time for self-care and physical activity, further deteriorating their health.

Women from lower-income groups face compounded difficulties. Reports highlight malnutrition as a significant issue among low-income women in urban areas (National Family Health Survey, 2015-16). While middle-income women may have access to better nutrition, they often lead sedentary lifestyles, lacking opportunities for physical exercise. In contrast, women from higher-income groups may afford certain privileges, but their health outcomes are also influenced by their childhood environment and urban design’s inclusivity.

As women age, their mobility becomes increasingly restricted due to inadequate public health infrastructure and transportation facilities. Older women, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, face challenges in accessing healthcare and other essential services. Their movement is often confined to their immediate surroundings, further isolating them, and impacting their mental health.

This research will adopt a qualitative approach to examine the experiences of women across different age groups in Mumbai, assessing their interaction with urban environments and the resultant health implications. By highlighting these issues, the study aims to find urban design solutions that address the unique needs of women, promoting equitable access to public spaces and improving their quality of life across all income categories.

References:

World Bank. (2021). Life expectancy at birth, female (years) – India. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.FE.IN?locations=IN.

KPMG. (2016). She’s Got Game: Increasing Female Participation in Sport. Retrieved from https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2016/06/she-s-got-game.html

National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16: India. Retrieved from
http://rchiips.org/nfhs/nfhs-4Reports/India.pdf.