Gender roles and stereotypes significantly impact how people experience nature and its benefits. Spending time in urban green spaces, such as parks or gardens, has proven mental health benefits. However, women and gender minorities often encounter unique challenges in accessing and enjoying these spaces (Bornioli et al., 2024).
Why Does Gender Matter in Nature Experiences?
Imagine this scenario: the next time you visit a park, observe the gender dynamics around you. How many men and women are there? Are they alone, with friends, or with family? What activities are they engaging in? How do parents of girls and boys interact with their children in nature?
Research shows that gender roles, stereotypes, and safety concerns greatly impact how women and men act in parks.
But first, what is gender?
Gender refers to the characteristics, roles, and relationships associated with women and men. It is different from sex, which is determined by biological and physical traits such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones.
The fascinating aspect of gender is that it is a social construct, not a fixed reality. Societal expectations regarding gender are learned early in life through families, schools, and communities. These expectations include traditional gender roles, like women often being responsible for childcare and household tasks (European Institute for Gender Equality, 2023).
Gender stereotypes shape how people are expected to act. For example, some people think "girls should only play with dolls, not trucks," or that "men who spend more time with their families are less masculine."
Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Public Spaces
These roles and stereotypes extend to behavior in public spaces. Historically, public areas were seen as male domains, while women were expected to stay in private or domestic spaces (Bondi and Rose, 2003). For instance, in the UK, it was legal to deny women service in pubs until the 1980s.
But what about parks and natural spaces?
Research highlights concerning trends. Women tend to visit natural spaces less frequently than men (Cohen et al., 2021). Girls and women also tend to remain in specific areas of parks, while boys and men explore more freely (Pérez-Tejera et al., 2018). In the UK, four out of five women feel unsafe walking alone in a park, compared to two out of five men (Office for National Statistics, 2022).
Cultural expectations reinforce these patterns. For example, societal norms often discourage women from visiting parks at night, dictate their attire during workouts, or influence how they act in public spaces (Krenichyn, 2006).
These influences start early, shaping how children interact with nature. Research indicates that parents often discourage girls from participating in active or rough play (Cristofaro and Tamis-LeMonda, 2008) while encouraging boys to be adventurous and independent (Lindsey and Mize, 2001).
Women are also more likely to spend leisure time with children (European Institute for Gender Equality, 2023). As a result, they often visit parks with their children rather than alone. While this promotes family bonding, it limits opportunities for women to enjoy green spaces for personal relaxation and stress relief.
The Safety Factor: Gender-Based Violence
Safety is a critical concern affecting women’s experiences in natural spaces. Many women report feeling unsafe in certain green areas, especially at night or in secluded spots (Office for National Statistics, 2022).
This fear stems from the reality that women are disproportionately targeted by gender-based violence and sexual harassment (Fredrickson and Roberts, 1997). Statistics reveal that women are significantly more likely than men to face sexual harassment in public spaces (Office for National Statistics, 2022a; Madan and Nalla, 2016). In fact, 81% of women report experiencing harassment or assault, compared to 43% of men (Stop Street Harassment, 2018).
These factors complicate women’s experiences in parks and often discourage them from visiting or fully enjoying green spaces. This is why understanding and addressing women’s experiences in nature is vital.
How Can Parks Be More Gender-Inclusive?
Improving women’s experiences in parks requires several strategic changes.
1. Enhancing Safety
Addressing gender-based violence should be a top priority. Beyond reducing actual risks, improving perceptions of safety is equally important. Research shows women prefer parks that are well-maintained, well-lit, and offer open, visible spaces (Barker, 2022).
2. Improving Amenities
Women often value amenities such as swings, seating areas, and spaces for socializing, yet these are less common in parks compared to facilities like sports fields (Parkwatch, 2021). Access to clean restrooms and changing areas is also critical, as women tend to use these facilities more frequently.
3. Organizing Community Activities
Hosting community events or activities specifically for women and minority groups can make parks feel more welcoming. Programs that empower women to see parks as safe and inclusive spaces can encourage greater participation and enjoyment.
These changes can not only enhance women’s experiences but also create parks that are more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.