Women’s emotional safety in urban public spaces in Pettah, Sri Lanka: a study of spatial perceptions

Abstract

This study explores women’s emotional safety in Pettah, Colombo, focusing on how spatial perceptions influence everyday experiences in urban public spaces. A qualitative-dominant mixed methods approach was employed, combining survey questionnaires (n = 50) with participatory exploratory walks (n = 15). Findings reveal that limited visibility, obstructed sightlines, pedestrian congestion, and male-dominated environments consistently undermine women’s confidence and comfort, leading to widespread coping and avoidance behaviours. Conversely, areas with clear visibility, smoother pedestrian flows, and balanced openness were associated with greater emotional reassurance. The convergence between survey and walk data highlights that emotional discomfort in Pettah is not incidental but structural, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive planning approaches that integrate emotional safety as a core element of inclusive urban design.