Evaluation of Public Space Facilities Supporting the Needs of Female Users in Denpasar City

Abstract

Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering social interaction, health, and overall urban wellbeing. However, the extent to which these spaces accommodate women's specific needs often remains overlooked in urban planning. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which facilities at Lapangan Renon, one of Denpasar City's main public spaces, meet the needs of female users and ensure their safety. Using the framework of gender-responsive urban design, this research employs a descriptive field observation approach to assess the adequacy of existing facilities in addressing women's needs. The findings show that while Lapangan Renon is physically accessible to women, its design and facilities do not fully respond to women’s specific needsInadequate facility maintenance, lack of lighting, absence of breastfeeding space, and lack of security measures such as CCTV or on-site security personnel reduce women’s sense of safety and comfort when using the space. The spatial separation of children’s play areas restricts women’s use, especially for caregivers. These issues indicate a gender-neutral yet implicitly masculine design orientation. Beyond contributing to the broader discourse on gender-responsive public policy, this study also offers practical recommendations for urban planners and local governments in creating public spaces that are equitable, safe, comfortable, and empowering for women, both in Denpasar City and in other urban areas with similar characteristics.