ABSTRACT
The concept of a smart city has gained popularity in the last ten years due to rapid urbanization, posing a threat to sustainability. In the ongoing debate on smart cities, a specific “safety and security of women” dimension is not fully considered, even when an inclusion or equality issue is being raised. The paper aims to fill this gap by addressing this issue. Through this paper, we have attempted to make recommendations for governments and policymakers to develop smart city policies and frameworks incorporating concrete indicators to stop violence against women. To assess whether the problem of violence against women is discussed in the academic debate on smart cities, a systemic review of literature is carried out with the help of clustered content analysis. With the help of detailed theoretical surveys, academic research surveys, and online questionnaires, we employ a framework for strategic sustainable development, deriving sustainability principles from the perspective of women.
Ensuring women's safety is not just a social imperative but an economic necessity. Cities that are perceived as unsafe deter businesses, investments, and workforce participation, especially from women entrepreneurs and professionals. A business-friendly city is one where all individuals, regardless of gender, can move freely, access opportunities, and contribute to the economic ecosystem. Ending gender-based violence is crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, and governments are accountable for their commitments. An inclusive, safe, and gender-sensitive urban environment fosters innovation, economic productivity, and sustainable growth, making smart cities a catalyst for long-term prosperity.
Keywords
Smart cities, Violence against women, Sustainability, Indicators, Religion, Inclusivity