Management of public spaces to ensure safety for women and other vulnerable groups : a case study of participation between Udon Thani municipality and women and other vulnerable groups
Abstract:
This research aims to (1) study the conditions of public spaces within Udon Thani Municipality to assess the public safety for women and other vulnerable groups, (2) investigate how Udon Thani Municipality provides opportunities for women and vulnerable groups to participate in managing public spaces, and (3) explore how the municipality can further enhance opportunities for these groups to participate in public space management. The study is qualitative research conducted through in-depth interviews with 40 individuals from the government, private sector, and community members involved in public space management. The data analysis involves thematic analysis. The research has found that over the past five years, public spaces in Udon Thani Municipal areas have undergone continuous changes aimed at enhancing safety for women and other vulnerable groups. These changes have been achieved through various policies, including urban development for safety, repairing roads and sidewalks, and installing more streetlights and CCTV cameras. Additionally, opportunities have been opened up through initiatives such as following patrol teams, community radio, participating in local development planning meetings, joining activities, telephone, and letters. In 2022, new channels were added by promoting the establishment of community councils and two-way communication through information systems such as Facebook, Line, TikTok, etc. Furthermore, there are plans to develop a continuous safety information network system. However, there are still other factors contributing to increasing the involvement of women and vulnerable groups in developing public spaces, such as travel costs, compensation, providing knowledge about participation, adjusting opportunities directly through representatives, online meeting management, and providing convenient equipment for various activities