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Visionary Women’s Mobility Behavior a Tool for Women’s Inclusion in the Built Environment with Special Discourse on Riyadh City

Author

Listed:
  • Dalia Abdelfattah

    (Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al Yamamah University, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mayas Nadim Ahmad Taha

    (Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al Yamamah University, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shaimaa Samir Ashour

    (Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Design, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 12435, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Architectural Engineering & Environmental Design, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Cairo 4471312, Egypt)

  • Majdi Alkhresheh

    (Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al Yamamah University, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sara Alansary

    (Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al Yamamah University, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11516, Egypt)

Abstract

Designing physical environments that are safe, functional, and equitable for all users is crucial to understanding the needs and requirements of the local community from a gender perspective, to achieve gender equality and women’s safety in the public realm. In the Saudi context, international assessments of women’s rights still acknowledge the country as one of the most prominent examples of structural gender inequality, both in the world and relative to regional peers within the Middle East and North Africa. This research aims to illuminate women’s mobility behavior as a tool for women’s inclusion in the built environment, supporting policymakers to design projects that build more inclusive cities for women. This research examines the dynamic relationship between women’s mobility and the built environment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within the context of Vision 2030. By employing a mixed-method approach, including literature reviews and a comprehensive survey, the research highlights critical indicators such as safety, cultural norms, and infrastructure. The research concludes that safety, cultural and social norms, and the availability of public facilities significantly impact women’s ease of mobility. The paper reaches an actionable recommendation for policymakers to create more inclusive urban environments that support women’s aspirations and needs, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society that supports the expectations and needs of all women in Riyadh.

Suggested Citation

  • Dalia Abdelfattah & Mayas Nadim Ahmad Taha & Shaimaa Samir Ashour & Majdi Alkhresheh & Sara Alansary, 2025. "Visionary Women’s Mobility Behavior a Tool for Women’s Inclusion in the Built Environment with Special Discourse on Riyadh City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-19, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5584-:d:1681272
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Borker, Girija, 2024. "Understanding the constraints to women’s use of urban public transport in developing countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    2. Najah Al-Garawi & Ismail Anil, 2021. "Geographical Distribution and Modeling of the Impact of Women Driving Cars on the Sustainable Development of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Naila Kabeer, 1999. "Resources, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women's Empowerment," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 30(3), pages 435-464, July.
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