Rania Arar soutient sa thèse

Urban public spaces play a crucial role in enhancing human well-being through social  interactions, cultural enrichment, and overall health. However, the challenges posed by rapid  urbanization worldwide and limited access to these spaces disproportionately affect vulnerable  groups and perpetuate inequalities, particularly in the developing world. Gender inequality in  urban public spaces, deeply rooted in socio-cultural, political, and economic factors, poses a  significant threat to human well-being, especially for women who, on one hand, face security  challenges in public spaces and, on the other hand, encounter accessibility difficulties as they  often serve as caregivers for children, older people, and individuals with disabilities. However,  assessing human well-being requires addressing complex inequalities on different levels. The  capability approach developed by Amartya Sen provides a comprehensive framework in this  regard. To practically address gender inequality and evaluate women's well-being, the case study  of Ramallah City in Palestine was chosen for its complex challenges, including geopolitical  circumstances, patriarchal domination, economic difficulties, population growth, and rapid  urbanization. Gender inequality in Ramallah’s public spaces is primarily manifested in the  limited accessibility to public spaces due to the lack of available public infrastructure, the  insufficient security for women from violence in public, and the failure to recognize the crucial  role of women as primary caregivers in society, contributing to gender role inequalities. The field  study revealed a general lack of accessible public spaces in the city, coupled with a severe lack of  inclusiveness in public infrastructure, exacerbating the gender gap in Palestine. The research  concludes with proposals and recommendations encompassing improvements in the existing  urban public spaces' physical, social, and environmental dimensions. It also underscores the  urgent need for inclusive public spaces in Ramallah by increasing awareness about their value  and concretely establishing pocket parks in city neighborhoods. The study results confirm that  promoting gender-inclusive public spaces is not just a strategic step but a human right essential for the overall well-being of Palestinian women. Finally, the study further highlights the  responsibility of decision-makers and individuals alike to ensure that such inclusive spaces are  guaranteed and to recognize their pivotal role in promoting gender equality and human well being.

Thèse dirigée par Jean-Christophe Dissart.