Gender and public spaces in Oran (Algeria): a comparative study of the attendance and participation in the creation of public spaces between women and men

Abstract

Although women are no longer confined to the domestic sphere and their presence in Algerian public spaces is widely recognized and socially legitimized, gender disparities persist, shaped by enduring socio-cultural factors. Public spaces are not only key sites where urban inequalities are produced and manifested, but also central arenas for exploring, developing, and implementing solutions. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach combining questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and in situ observations, this study examines the gendered dynamics of use and participation in Oran's public spaces (Algeria). It investigates how gender influences attendance patterns, spatial perceptions, and civic engagement within broader urban production processes. The findings reveal differentiated practices and persistent inequalities in access to participation, exposing a discrepancy between institutional discourses that promote inclusivity. This research emphasizes the importance of urban planning sensitive to socio-cultural contexts, offering concrete recommendations to planners and policymakers to promote more equitable and inclusive public spaces.