Exploring inequality in green space accessibility for women - Evidence from Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Green spaces are essential elements of urban structure that contribute to human well-being and health. In some urban societies, women are less mobile and have lower capabilities to benefit from public urban green spaces, therefore more attention should be paid to providing them with equitable access to urban green spaces (UGSs). In this study, we have investigated the availability of and accessibility to UGSs for the total women population and for different groups of women, including homemakers (housewives), and family members they are caregivers for, that is the senior women population and children aged 5 to 14. Spatial criteria analyzed are proximity to urban green spaces, number of UGSs’ service areas overlapping at the block level, per capita urban green spaces, number and distance to public transportation stations, and distance to bike paths in relation and percent of apartments in city blocks presence in Mashhad city. To address the spatial inequities in UGS accessibility, advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods were utilized. The Best-Worst Method (BWM) was used to weigh the criteria, and the WASPAS, MARCOS, EDAS and COCOSO methods were used to rank the city blocks. These methods enabled a nuanced analysis of disparities in UGS access and provided a robust framework for prioritizing interventions. The results showed that UGSs are not equally accessible for women in the city. Socially and economically privileged classes in Western areas had better access to UGSs, while the need for improved access to UGSs is greater in Eastern regions with lower socio-economic status, which face the greatest accessibility challenges. Meanwhile, clusters of very low access and very high demand for access can be observed in various parts of the city. By integrating these advanced MCDM methods, the study provides a comprehensive approach for evaluating spatial inequities at the residential block level and offers a basis for formulating targeted green city policies. The results allowed for an assessment of the current state and an indication of priority areas for improvement. This methodology, evaluates various conditions at the residential block level, which can be applied both in Mashhad and internationally to support urban planners and policymakers in making informed decisions. Ultimately, it contributes to the equitable distribution of UGSs, enhancing accessibility and usability across diverse groups of women and fostering healthier and more vibrant communities in the women-friendly city.