Written By: Kayley Buxton, Marketing & Events Director 

At Revo, we are committed to fostering conversations that drive real change in the retail, leisure, and placemaking industries. One such vital discussion took place at our recent panel session, Creating Safer Spaces for Women and Girls, which I had the privilege of hosting at Retail Destination LIVE 2025. 

The Urgency of Change 

Safety is a fundamental right, yet for too long, the built environment has overlooked the needs of women and girls. Spaces have historically been designed with a default male perspective, leading to a gender data gap that has made women’s safety concerns secondary or even invisible. The statistics are alarming—over one million incidents of violence against women and girls were recorded in 2022/23, accounting for one in five police-recorded crimes that year. Fear has led many women to adjust their daily routines, altering where they go and how they move through the world. This is unacceptable, and it must change. 

Key Themes of the Discussion 

Our esteemed panellists, Tarah Gear and Marina Milosev, brought their expertise and passion to the discussion, helping us unpack critical themes: 

• Identifying the Problem: Women’s safety in public spaces is shaped by both physical design and social structures. The fear of violence leads to real, tangible restrictions on women’s mobility and engagement in public life. 
• Current Initiatives: Progress is being made, with developers, landlords, and retailers implementing measures to improve safety, from better lighting to inclusive design strategies. 
• The Path Forward: We need to move beyond token gestures. Safety must be embedded into the DNA of urban planning, placemaking, and property management. 
• The Role of Industry and Individuals: Everyone has a part to play, from developers integrating gender-inclusive design to businesses ensuring their spaces are welcoming for all. 

Expert Insights 

Marina Milosev emphasised the importance of listening to women’s lived experiences. Inclusive design benefits everyone, and real estate professionals must prioritise gender-conscious planning to create spaces that truly serve all communities. 

Tarah Gear highlighted how the built environment influences perceptions of safety. Thoughtful design—well-lit spaces, active frontages, clear wayfinding—can make women feel more self-confident while deterring potential perpetrators. She also stressed the need to challenge the common response that “safety should be for everyone”. While true, a gender-neutral approach often overlooks the nuanced ways in which women experience public spaces differently. A targeted approach ensures we address real, specific concerns rather than defaulting to a male-centric standard. 

Moving from Conversation to Action 

Some of the key takeaways from our discussion included: 

• Harnessing Data: Data-driven solutions must challenge gender bias in traditional urban design. 
• Leveraging Regeneration: As town centres evolve, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create safer, more inclusive environments. 
• Recognising the Commercial Impact: Spaces designed with women in mind are not just safer—they’re more commercially successful. When women feel comfortable in an environment, they are more likely to visit, engage, and contribute to the local economy. 
• Building Vibrant, 24/7 Spaces: Integrating mixed-use developments, ensuring active frontages, and designing for all hours of the day can enhance safety perceptions and real security. 
• Encouraging Collaboration: Developers, landlords, operators, local authorities, and community groups must work together to implement lasting change. 

The Road Ahead 

This conversation was just the beginning. Creating safer spaces for women and girls is not just an industry responsibility—it is a societal imperative. We must rethink the status quo, close the gender data gap, and ensure that women’s voices are heard in the planning and management of our public spaces. 

To all those who joined us for this crucial discussion, thank you. Now is the time to turn words into action—whether that’s re-evaluating your own spaces, advocating for policy change, or simply continuing this conversation in your own circles. 

Let’s work together to create spaces that are not just safe but truly inclusive for everyone. The future of our urban environments depends on it. 

Check out the photo gallery from the conference—relive the highlights and memorable moments HERE!

Revo has established a dedicated working group of passionate members committed to driving change on this important issue—stay tuned for more details. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out to kayley@revocommunity.org.