A participatory action research on the female experience of public space

This research takes place in the northeast of Brazil, in the state of Pernambuco. Recife, as the capital of this state with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, is confronted with social challenges. Insecurity in public space is one of these challenges, and it is a much-discussed topic in society. Certain places are therefore actively avoided, such as the neighborhood of Santo Antônio, a historic part of downtown Recife. What was once a vibrant and lively neighborhood has now given way to vacancy and crime. The notion of insecurity has become an important element of the identity of Santo Antônio, and it is experienced differently by everyone. For example, women may have different perceptions than men when it comes to experiencing safety, and this first group is often forgotten when incorporating perspectives for new urban developments. In this research, the gender dimension of safety is further elaborated, and the study investigates how women in the squatter movement of Leonardo Cisneiros experience insecurity in their mobility patterns within the neighborhood of Santo Antônio. The focus here is on aspects of gendered fear of crime that may impact women’s lived experiences. Through a participatory action, women’s experiences in public space are prioritized, and awareness is raised regarding the problems they face. This constitutes a first step toward inclusive urban renewal for Santo Antônio, prioritizing the needs of women.

This research forms part of the research group of Interdisciplinary Studio for Territories in Transition. The foundation of this studio is the practice of participatory action research, also referred to as PAR. Participatory research methods such as collective workshops and activities are central to this process, in which the research group actively guides the development of the research.

The resulting data indicated that Santo Antônio suffers from a lack of neighborhood activities, residents, natural surveillance, maintenance, and social management. The perceived sense of insecurity primarily stems from the absence of people on the streets, which leads to a lack of social control. There is a need for activities for families in the neighborhood, as well as for more social facilities. When looking at the physical aspects of public space, more places for children to play and additional facilities such as shops and public restrooms were mentioned as elements that could make public spaces more pleasant to visit. Addressing these issues requires spatial interventions that could be incorporated into the masterplan of the urban renewal agency Recentro, as well as a revision of current urban planning practices. To achieve inclusive urban development from the perspective of women, it is necessary to focus on actively constructing new urban identities in the neighborhood, both spatially and socially. Furthermore, the nocturnal identity of the neighborhood must be taken into account in the design process. Children should receive a central role in the master plan, since this would also ensure that parents—and specifically mothers—are granted a place in public space. Finally, the study advocates for an inclusive investment plan, in which investors are actively attracted who are attentive to social initiatives and improvements in the neighborhood.