Presenting as female in public space increases exposure to violence and this is exacerbated at certain times of night in cities around the world. A recent survey for UN Women UK found that 71% of women of all ages in the UK said they had experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, of which men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators. Sarah Everard’s killing has led many people to speak out about an endemic culture of harassment, abuse and violence against women in the UK.

Public spaces in London need to be safe for women, empower them and stop male violence. The GLA is committed to ensure that women and girls are empowered in London’s public spaces and that they are free from sexual harassment. How can built environment professionals support London in achieving this? How can city planners, designers, developers and authorities have integrated gender perspective in urban planning? How can we make sure men do not violently attack women and what’s the role of public spaces in this?

This NLA Breakfast Talk heard from experts discussing what we need to do to make public spaces safer in London.

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