About this episode

The episode discusses how urban design often neglects the needs of women and explores potential changes for more inclusive city planning.

On every street corner, at every bus stop, in every public toilet the message is clear: this city is not built for women. Along with journalist Chhavi Sachdev, Dr Ella Hubber explores how urban design often fails to reflect the realities of women’s lives. They unpack issues like why women spend longer queuing for toilets, how safety concerns shape the way women move through cities, and why transport systems built around linear commutes fail those juggling care, work and home. As awareness grows, they also ask what change can look like. More inclusive planning, policies shaped by lived experience, and cities finally designed to work for everyone. Presenter/producer: Ella Hubber Researcher: Elliott Prince Editor: Ilan Goodman

People in this episode

Host: Dr Ella Hubber

Guest: Chhavi Sachdev

Topics covered

• urban planning
• gender equality
• public spaces
• transportation
• safety
• inclusive design

Keywords

• urban design
• women's safety
• public toilets
• transport systems
• inclusive planning
• city design
• care work
• commuting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

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