Gender-Inclusive Public Spaces in Lebanon

Public spaces are a vital component of the urban atmosphere that pave the way for more interaction, civic participation, and leisure activities. However, these spaces can reflect and echo existing power dynamics and inequalities based on numerous social and human factors such as gender, class, ethnicity, religion, and physical and mental ability. Gender inequality is evident in various aspects of daily life in Lebanon, notably in public spaces, where women face discrimination and exclusion. Designing public spaces based on stereotypical gender perceptions can severely limit women's interactions and restrict their access to safe, recreational, and transportation areas. It is important to look at how public spaces are gendered in Lebanon and how urban planners can design more inclusive and safe public spaces for women. To make public spaces in Lebanon more inclusive and productive, it is crucial to consider innovative designs that are tailored for women, and at the same time address the socio-cultural norms, insecurities, harassment, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of services which hinder women's mobility, health, education, employment, and empowerment. By recognizing the importance of inclusive design, urban planners and policymakers can create public spaces that offer a more diverse range of community interactions, encouraging women’s safe engagement, and increasing their access to public spaces.

Describing the Public Scene for Women in Lebanon

Lebanon has ratified several international conventions and treaties that promote gender equality and women's empowerment, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action.[1] However, despite these achievements, Lebanon still faces significant challenges and gaps in ensuring gender equality and women's rights in practice.[2] In addition to the fact that Lebanese women are restricted in their lives due to the lack of a unified civil code and the abuse of patriarchal power against them, they are not able to seek refuge in public spaces since they are insecure, do not conform to any laws, lack services, have inadequate infrastructure, and expose women to harassment and violence.[3] To mitigate these challenges, urban planners and policymakers can design more inclusive and safe public spaces.

In Lebanon, women face many challenges and restrictions in accessing public spaces and pursuing their personal goals, especially in rural areas where they are expected to prioritize domestic duties over individual aspirations. However, some grassroots organizations are working to challenge these norms and empower women by providing them with safe spaces and skill-development training in various locations, whether in centers or local spaces in those areas/villages. For example, in some parts of Beirut, women can participate in activities and courses that boost their confidence and leadership, such as self-defense lessons and leadership training. These are offered by the group “Women on the Frontline”, which advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Tripoli. They have also established career centers that help women achieve financial independence and pursue their own career paths. These local facilities are vital for supporting women from disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome gender stereotypes and attain economic autonomy.[4] Another initiative is the “Women’s Program Association” in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, which aims to empower rural women by offering them training in various fields, such as marketing, business, and agriculture.[5] The group helps these women become active contributors to the economic development of their communities by providing them with the relevant training. This program not only enhances women’s financial independence but also challenges gender stereotypes that are prevalent in rural, traditional communities.

Community-led initiatives are also making significant strides towards gender equality and women's empowerment, including the creation of women-led enterprises, and increased political engagement. These efforts aim to challenge gender roles and stereotypes, fostering a culture of gender equality. However, it is important to note that public spaces, which typically encompass sites for work, have historically been inaccessible to women engineers and architects.[6]

In this context, initiatives like Warch(ée), an NGO founded by architect Anastasia El-Rouss, play a crucial role.[7]Warch(ée) is dedicated to providing inclusive training and employment opportunities for women in the construction industry. By breaking down barriers and providing necessary equipment and skills, Warch(ée) strives to enable women to enter traditionally male-dominated professions such as craftswomen, technicians, builders, architects, engineers, landscape architects, and urban planners.

The organization's ultimate goal is to empower women to reach their full potential, facilitate equitable opportunities, and foster self-confidence and financial independence through employment in Lebanon's competitive workforce. By focusing on dismantling barriers within public spaces related to work and offering the necessary support, initiatives like Warch(ée) contribute to the broader objective of creating more inclusive and accessible public spaces for women engineers and architects in Lebanon.

 There are more initiatives that strive to support women, such as the female-run Douma Farmers’ Market in North Lebanon, which supports female farmers and artisans by giving them a space to sell their products. Another example is Women in Front, an organization that supports female candidates for office to increase the number of women in political life.[8]

Despite the commendable initiatives mentioned, it remains evident that women's representation in Lebanon's public and political spheres is inadequate. In 2023, women held only six out of the 128 seats in the parliament and four out of the 30 ministry positions.[9] This underrepresentation is influenced by both legal constraints and societal norms that limit women's participation in decision-making processes. Recognizing the significance of public spaces for fostering inclusivity, it is crucial to emphasize that public spaces encompass not only physical locations but also key institutions like the parliament and the council of ministers. Efforts to address these challenges include programs such as the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW), which advocates for women's rights and gender equality through policy formulation, campaigns, and raising awareness.[10] Additionally, the Gender Working Group in Lebanon, comprising UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society groups, collaboratively addresses gender-related issues and initiatives in the country.

Public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, gardens, squares, streets, sidewalks, markets, public transportation, libraries, and museums in Lebanon are gendered to reflect traditional Lebanese gender norms. Women face significant challenges in public spaces due to the current design options that directly limit the extent to which they can use public space. These norms are not intuitive or based on physical necessity alone; rather they are driven by the explicit or implicit expectations of what is normal or acceptable. For instance, insufficient lighting in public spaces at night may make women feel less safe, more vulnerable to violent attacks, or harassment, ultimately restricting their mobility. Poorly designed public transportation may also cause discomfort, relegating public transport to be used by men only, forcing women to incur high transportation costs by opting for private transport.

The problem of gender inequality and exclusion in public spaces in Lebanon has been affecting women for a prolonged period. A joint effort between UNDP Lebanon and CatalyticAction charity conducted a project where they trained and recruited citizen scientists, including women and Syrian refugees, who used gender-sensitive public life tools to identify the needs and vulnerabilities within their neighborhood's public spaces and participate in the co-production of a more inclusive and resilient public realm. The conducted study[11] highlights how women and girls faced various barriers and challenges in accessing and using public spaces, such as lack of safety, services, infrastructure, and respect. For instance, the pedestrian bridge that connects Karantina and Mar Mikhael serves a critical purpose for connecting the two sides, allowing residents to visit friends and family and attend religious services. However, the bridge marks a low female usage percentage of 28%. An analysis of the bridge area revealed it to be an ideal place for criminal activities, due to narrow, concealed, and unlit spaces with obstructions. The bridge is covered with large ads and is surrounded by tall, neglected trees, limiting visibility on the bridge. It has been reported by Karantina residents that frequent robberies and harassment of women happen on that bridge. In addition, women would refrain from going near factory areas in Karantina since it is predominant by men. The area is characterized by unregulated traffic and truck parking, poor lighting, abandoned buildings used as waste dump or urinals, stray animals, and other hazardous conditions that result in an unsafe and unhealthy environment, leading to women avoiding the area entirely. This case study reveals that women in Lebanon have limited access to and use of public resources, services, opportunities, and decision-making that can improve their lives and well-being.

The Vitality of Public Spaces

Public spaces are crucial for Lebanese women's well-being, development, and empowerment, and offer opportunities to lead a better life. By enhancing women's safety, security, dignity, and happiness, more inclusive and resilient public spaces can also support women's rights, voice, and participation in Lebanese society.

Public spaces are not just physical places but also social spaces that shape the lives and identities of people who use them. An inclusive and safe public space for women is vital for justice, equality, and sustainability.[12] By creating public spaces that respect and celebrate diversity, we inspire and connect everyone. Investing in this issue affects everyone, directly or indirectly. Improving the accessibility of public spaces for women can also improve accessibility for everyone. Empowering women to lead and participate in public spaces can also empower them to contribute and lead in other domains of life. 

The benefits of inclusive public spaces extend beyond social and political benefits to economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Inclusive public spaces foster social cohesion, civic engagement, economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural diversity. People benefit from the opportunities to interact, communicate, socialize, build relationships and to express themselves, voice their opinions, claim their rights, and participate in civic activities. They also gain through entrepreneurship, employment, trade, and tourism, which support economic growth and improve standards of living. Inclusive public spaces provide opportunities for appreciating the natural environment, protecting, and conserving it, practicing environmental stewardship, and learning about other cultures while celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage. The benefits of inclusive public spaces underline the critical contributions that women can make in the social, economic, environmental, and cultural spheres.

Designing Inclusive Public Spaces

Inclusive public spaces are the ones that overcome the existing biases that have shaped infrastructure. It addresses gender in the design of public spaces to promote women's safety, access, and enjoyment of public domains. Incorporating elements of inclusive design can provide more accessible, safer, and inviting public spaces. Benches, seating areas, extended paths, and bike lanes, and adequate lighting are some of the necessary components that promote women's safety and promote physical activity while ensuring that public spaces are accessible to diverse groups.[13]

Inclusive representation of women and marginalized groups in public space design decisions is significant, as they are stakeholders and frequent users of infrastructure. A participatory, empowering, and gender-sensitive public space planning and design approach that involves women and marginalized groups in every stage is necessary. This approach can provide user-centered solutions to promote women's safe use of public spaces. An inclusive design also incorporates universal design and accessibility principles that ensure public spaces are usable and enjoyable for everyone. These principles include smooth paths, adequate lighting and signage, public transportation, and restrooms. They also accommodate people regardless of their ages, gender identities, and abilities. Promoting a culture of respect and diversity in public spaces is crucial to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes and prejudices about women and other marginalized groups. It also ensures public spaces become platforms for dialogue, education, expression, and celebration of different identities and cultures. Finally, promoting legal and institutional frameworks that protect women and other marginalized groups from harassment, violence, discrimination, and exclusion in public spaces, enforcing and monitoring policy implementation is essential. This approach ensures a holistic and integrated approach to public space governance and management by collaborating and coordinating with different actors and stakeholders at all levels.

Community engagement and participation are essential in the design of gender-inclusive public spaces in Lebanon. The needs and experiences of various populations within a community, especially marginalized groups like women, children, refugees, and individuals with disabilities, may be fully understood through such involvement. As a result of this engagement with the design process, public spaces are created to fulfill a variety of needs, address problems concerning safety, accessibility, and comfort, and foster a sense of ownership and investment in the area.

Community participation may also challenge patriarchal norms that prevent women and other disadvantaged groups from fully engaging in public life in Lebanon, where gender-based violence and discrimination are prevalent. Planners and policymakers may develop a more inclusive and equitable society that supports gender equality and respect for all community members by appreciating the involvement of these groups. This can result in more lively, diversified, and prosperous public areas that serve the interests of everyone in the community. Additionally, participation and community involvement may guarantee that public spaces are responsive, flexible, and sustainable, considering into account the community's evolving needs and ambitions throughout time. This encourages a feeling of ownership, belonging, and civic responsibility, which can improve social cohesion and trust amongst various groups of individuals who utilize public areas.

Collaboration between organizations, associations, and stakeholders is vital for creating gender-inclusive spaces that promote diversity and inclusivity. A notable example of such an initiative is The Knowledge Workshop in Furn El Chebbek, which includes a feminist library serving as a safe space.[14] This space is designed to provide a welcoming environment where individuals of all genders can access knowledge, engage in dialogue, and explore feminist perspectives.

Additionally, the Women's Peace and Security Network in Lebanon is a collaborative effort comprising 12 women-led groups.[15] Their focus on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and women's rights showcases the power of collective action in amplifying the voices of women and girls. These community-led initiatives highlight the importance of cooperation and active participation in fostering meaningful change towards gender inclusivity in Lebanon.By emphasizing the creation of gender-inclusive spaces, such as The Knowledge Workshop's feminist library, and acknowledging the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Women's Peace and Security Network, Lebanon can make significant progress in building a society that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for all individuals.

The gender-specific challenges in public space need to be addressed through gender-sensitive design practices enabled by urban planning and the public sector. Inclusive design strategies centered around elements such as extensive paths, bike lanes, benches, and proper lighting can make public spaces more accommodating, supportive, and welcoming for women. Designing public spaces that are inclusive and safe for women is not only a matter of justice and equality, but also a matter of sustainability and resilience. It is vital to address gender inequality and exclusion in public spaces in Lebanon, as it affects everyone, directly or indirectly. By improving the quality and accessibility of public spaces for women, we can also improve the quality and accessibility of public spaces for all. Furthermore, representation in the design decision-making process and a focus on user-centered design, including women, is crucial. The design interventions presented offer possibilities for promoting the use of public space as a site for better and more representative gender relations.

References:

“Events and Activities.” WPA, 4 Apr. 2023, www.wpa-lb.org/our-projects/

“Knowledge Workshop.” KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOP, 10 May 2022, www.alwarsha.org/

“Mission and Vision.” NCLW, www.nclw.gov.lb/en/mission-and-vision-2/

“The Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Lebanon: A Key Tool for Supporting Recovery from Economic Crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon.” UN Women – Arab States, www.arabstates.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2020/07/policy-brief-women-peace-and-security-agenda-in-lebanon-0.

“Where Are the Lebanese Women Architects?” Al Bawaba, www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/where-are-lebanese-women-architects-1227834

“Women in Front.” Arab.Org, 15 Aug. 2017, www.arab.org/directory/women-in-front/

Boyle, Kelsi. “A Crisis within a Crisis: Grassroots Feminist Organizations Press on during COVID-19 in Lebanon.” Women Deliver, 12 May 2020, www.womendeliver.org/a-crisis-within-a-crisis-grassroots-feminist-organizations-press-on-during-covid-19-in-lebanon/

Gender inequalities in Beirut’s public spaces - UNDP in Lebanon. https://www.lb.undp.org/content/lebanon/en/home/blog/2022/women-in-public-spaces-of-beirut---insights-from-the-area-affect.html.

Gender Statistical Profile | Lebanon 2022 | Publications | UN Women .... https://lebanon.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/06/gender-statistical-profile-lebanon-2022.

Gendered Public Spaces and the Geography of Fear in Greater ... - Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40609-021-00216-5.

Inclusive by Design: Laying a Foundation for Diversity in Public Space. https://www.pps.org/article/inclusive-by-design-laying-a-foundation-for-diversity-in-public-space.

The fight for gender equality in Lebanon | OHCHR. https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2022/05/fight-gender-equality-lebanon.

Warch(Ée), www.warchee.org/about-warchee/

Well-Designed Public Spaces Are Inclusive Ones. https://www.planning.org/planning/2021/spring/well-designed-public-spaces-are-inclusive-ones/.