Women’s Empowerment Through Public Space: Gendered Urban Experiences Across the Middle East and Europe

Abstract

This book explores the transformative power of urban public space for women's empowerment. Addressing a critical gap in the existing literature, the authors develop an empirically grounded methodology to measure women's interactions and empowerment in contemporary public spaces across diverse urban settings. The book provides a practical framework for researchers and urban planners to assess women's socio-spatial experiences in specific urban contexts and work toward improving public spaces through a gender-responsive approach. Beyond its contribution to the urban planning and design literature, particularly in the area of women and public space, this book highlights the central role of public space in enriching women's social lives and promoting their empowerment. It expands our understanding of the role of women in the urban fabric and offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to create more equitable, inclusive and empowered cities. The book presents a fresh perspective on the intersection of gender, urbanism, and empowerment, and invites readers to engage in the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of urban public spaces. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.