Spatialisation of Women Street Traders in Cities: Lessons of Newcastle

Mzobe, Nonpumelelo and Mphambukeli, Thulisile and Gumbo, Trynos (2025) Spatialisation of Women Street Traders in Cities: Lessons of Newcastle. URBAN INNOVATION: TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO CITIES HAVE GONE BEFORE. Medium sized cities and towns as a major arena of global urbanisation. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2025, 30th Intl. Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 831-836. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

Gender remains an underexplored dimension in urban development, with dominant “right to the city” frameworks often failing to account for gendered experiences. Women street traders play a vital role in urban economies by fostering job creation, enhancing economic activity, and strengthening social networks that contribute to urban vibrancy. Their presence in public spaces enriches social interactions and improves the overall urban environment. However, their spatial practices also expose significant barriers, including regulatory constraints, inadequate infrastructure, accessibility challenges, and insufficient essential services. The allocation of designated market spaces underscores the necessity of creating environments that cater to their unique needs while promoting inclusivity. Analyzing the spatial distribution of women street traders provides key insights into the extent to which cities are inclusive and accessible, aligning with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines the intersection of gender, urban planning, and spatial rights, highlighting the need for more gender-responsive and accessible urban spaces. Using qualitative methods – including interviews with women street traders and municipal officials, alongside observational data from various cities – the research argues that existing urban planning approaches frequently overlook women’s specific needs, resulting in their marginalisation in public spaces. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations and urban design strategies to create equitable and supportive environments for women street traders, contributing to the broader discourse on the “right to the city” and advocating for urban planning that accommodates diverse populations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	street trade, Inclusivity, spatialisation, public space, women
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	16 May 2025 08:03
Last Modified:	16 May 2025 08:14
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1152

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