Dr Nourhan Bassam PhD will share key findings from her upcoming book "Women After Dark," exploring how urban spaces impact women’s experiences after dark and highlighting the persistent challenges women face in cities at night. Through in-depth analysis, data collection, and community engagement, she examines how urban environments often fail to ensure women’s safety, comfort, and accessibility during dark hours. 

A feminist urbanist and architect with a Ph.D. in Urban Design and Placemaking, Nourhan is the visionary behind "The Gendered City" which started as a book and grew into an organization. The Gendered City works on diverse feminist urban projects and research fields centred on creating just and gender-equal cities through feminist placemaking and active citizen participation. 

Nourhan will be joined by Dr Anna Barker, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice & Criminology, University of Leeds to discuss Safer parks - improving access for women and young girls. The UK’s 27,000 parks and green spaces are vital for wellbeing, community, and active travel—but safety concerns mean many women and girls miss out on their many benefits. The Safer Parks project, led by Barker, draws on research insights from over 100 women and girls to identify principles and practical steps that make parks feel safer and more welcoming. Now adopted by the Green Flag Award, the Safer Parks: Improving Access to Women and Girls guidance is reshaping park design and management in the UK and internationally. This talk explores how we can design green spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and feel safe for everyone.

Together, alongside Tara Gbolade, Co-Founder, Gbolade Design Studio, and Eve Avdoulos, Senior Associate, We Made That, they will discuss the importance of feminist planning and the gendered city.