Better planning of urbanisation and infrastructure has the potential to create safer environments. However, effective operations and maintenance is essential to ensure the reliable provision of services. Street lights with no power, bus services that don’t run, no water at the standpipe all serve to increase risks.
Creating an urban environment that is safe and inclusive for everyone means recognising different concerns and vulnerabilities around violence against women and girls, for example younger women and adolescent girls, elderly women, internally displaced people and refugees, and people outside of gendered norms.