The Forum

In this session of The Forum, we focus on the critical intersection of gender, urban spaces, and security. As cities expand and evolve, the safety and inclusivity of women within these spaces remain essential concerns. This discussion will center around the challenges women face in navigating urban environments, whether due to inadequate infrastructure, social norms, or policy shortcomings.

Public spaces—whether transportation hubs, parks, or streets—should be accessible to all, but many women experience these spaces as fraught with danger or restrictions. In this session, we aim to dissect these issues while also looking at how socio-economic backgrounds can further shape a woman’s experience of urban life. The role of law enforcement and public policy in addressing gender-based violence is another important focus. Finally, this session will consider how the ability to move freely and confidently through the city is linked to broader issues of mobility and access. By engaging with these topics, we hope to generate ideas for creating cities that prioritise safety for all, especially women.

This is the second of our sessions titled, The Forum, a series of engaging discussions held at the BIC Library. Our goal is to bring together individuals from all walks of life, ages 15 to 50, to discuss topics of importance in a setting that is both informed and informal. Whether you’re passionate about current events, social issues, or cultural topics, The Forum provides a platform for open dialogue and thoughtful exchange of ideas. Inspired by the ancient Roman forums, where citizens gathered to discuss and debate the issues of the day, these sessions aim to revive this tradition of community dialogue.