Women’s Right to the City: The Case of Quito, Ecuador

A significant gender gap persists in Quito's urban design, with 81% of women experiencing sexual or offensive remarks and 69.8% encountering obscene gestures within a month, highlighting routine harassment that shapes their mobility and behavior. This study reveals how poorly lit corridors and weak institutional presence amplify violence against women, despite the city's 'Safe City' program. The research combines constitutional analysis, survey data (n=736), in-depth interviews, and participatory observation to demonstrate that Quito’s public spaces fail to uphold women’s right to safety and participation. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive urban planning, intersectoral resources, and substantive female involvement in policy-making to transform legal principles into lived realities.

Baca Calderón, M. C., Quattrone, G., Sánchez Borja, E., & Rocchio, D. (2025). Women’s Right to the City: The Case of Quito, Ecuador. Social Sciences, 14(8), 448. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080448