BETWEEN THE NORM AND THE STREET: GENDER EQUITY IN THE PUBLIC SPACE OF BOGOTÁ D.C.

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how Bogotá’s public policies have sought to guarantee gender equity in public spaces, understood as places where all people should feel free, safe, and with equal opportunities. In this sense, the research question arises: How do Bogotá’s policies contribute to ensuring gender equity in the use and enjoyment of public space? The analysis shows that, although the city has promoted programs and regulatory frameworks with a gender perspective—ranging from improvements in mobility and urban infrastructure to campaigns for the prevention of violence—there are still barriers that prevent women and gender-diverse individuals from fully enjoying their right to the city.

Experiences such as the Manzanas del Cuidado (Care Blocks), the Women’s Advisory Councils, and the Safe Spots stand out as concrete attempts to transform daily life. However, the path forward still faces challenges: the lack of stable resources, institutional fragmentation, and, above all, cultural patterns that continue to sustain inequality. It is important to note that, beyond laws or plans, a real transformation of social and urban relations is needed—one that places women as key actors in building a fairer and more inclusive city.

The objectives of this manuscript are as follows: to analyze the strategies implemented to guarantee accessibility, safety, and participation of women and gender-diverse individuals in the city; to identify the main public policies and regulatory frameworks in Bogotá aimed at promoting gender equity in public space; and to evaluate the progress and limitations of these policies in relation to the prevention of gender-based violence and the construction of an inclusive urbanism.