جنسیت و ادراک امنیت در پارک‌های محلی ( نمونه موردی: باغ فیض تهران)

Introduction:

Safety in public spaces is not experienced equally by all social groups, particularly women. Numerous studies have indicated that women often perceive higher levels of insecurity in public areas compared to men. This disparity in safety perception can profoundly influence how local parks are used and the degree of social participation among different demographic groups. Public parks play a vital role in urban life, providing spaces for recreation, relaxation, physical activity, and social interaction. However, if women perceive these areas as unsafe, their use of parks is significantly reduced, potentially limiting their social engagement and overall well-being. Therefore, understanding gender-based differences in safety perception is essential for urban planners, designers, and policymakers aiming to create inclusive, accessible, and equitable public spaces that encourage participation across all social groups. Moreover, exploring these differences contributes to broader knowledge on how environmental, social, and managerial factors interact to shape users’ perceptions and behaviors in urban contexts.



The Purpose of the Research:

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the role of gender in shaping differences in safety perception within local parks, specifically focusing on Bagh-e Feiz, a neighborhood in Tehran. The study aims to examine how gender interacts with six key factors that determine perceived safety, in order to identify which elements are more significant for women. By understanding these factors, planners can design targeted strategies to improve safety perceptions and encourage broader public use of local parks. This investigation also seeks to provide evidence on whether gender differences manifest in overall safety perception or primarily at the level of specific environmental and social factors.



Methodology:

This study employs a descriptive-analytical design with a survey-based approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 170 park users, consisting of 85 women and 85 men, across six local parks in Bagh-e Feiz, Tehran. Participants were selected through simple random sampling to ensure a representative sample. The questionnaire included six categories of factors affecting safety perception in parks: visibility, maintenance, cleanliness, external protection, presence and behavior of other users, and mobility facilities. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to summarize respondents’ perceptions, and independent t-tests were used to examine differences between men and women for each factor. This methodological approach enables identification of nuanced gender-based differences in perceived safety, providing insights for evidence-based urban planning interventions.



Findings and Discussion:

The analysis revealed that women exhibit higher sensitivity to factors influencing safety perception compared to men. In most categories, women’s mean safety perception scores were higher than those of men, indicating greater attention to environmental cues and potential risks. Eight factors were identified as particularly influential: daylight, artificial lighting, visibility and ability to observe others, police patrols, video surveillance, condition of park equipment, design and layout of pathways, and presence of disruptive users. While no statistically significant difference was observed in overall safety perception between women and men, significant gender differences emerged at the level of specific factors, highlighting the importance of examining safety perception in a multidimensional manner. Additionally, spatial characteristics of parks had a significant impact on women’s perceptions, and the pattern of park occupancy further revealed gender-related differences. These results suggest that safety perception is shaped not only by environmental and managerial elements but also by a combination of social, behavioral, and contextual factors that function together as an interconnected system. Understanding these interactions allows urban planners to address women’s concerns more effectively and enhance overall park accessibility and usability.



Conclusion:

Women’s safety perception in local parks is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, environmental, and social factors. Their multidimensional sensitivity is particularly associated with mobility facilities, maintenance, cleanliness, equipment condition, and the behavior of other users. Consequently, safety should be considered as a continuous, multidimensional concept in urban planning and design. Effective interventions must address multiple elements simultaneously, including environmental design, active management, and social supervision. By recognizing and responding to women’s safety concerns, urban planners can foster more inclusive, welcoming, and usable public spaces, thereby promoting equitable access, encouraging social participation, and enhancing urban quality of life. Ultimately, improving women’s perception of safety contributes to broader societal benefits by supporting active engagement in public life and reinforcing the role of parks as essential urban spaces for all citizens.