STEP UP project studies gender gap in Milan's public space safety

STEP UP – Walkability for Women in Milan is a research, dissemination, and innovation initiative funded by Fondazione Cariplo and launched in March 2023. The project uses active mapping by city residents to develop practical tools for making public spaces inclusive and safe. A pamphlet presented at BASE Milano summarized the first year's findings. The research consortium includes Fondazione Transform Transport ETS, Sex and the City (founded by Florencia Andreola and Azzurra Muzzonigro, authors of the Atlante di Genere di Milano), TeMA Lab of the University of Naples Federico II, and Walk21 Foundation (active in the UK since 2017). Data was collected via the Wher app, an online questionnaire, and focus groups in Milan's Central Station, Loreto, and Sarpi districts. Results show that while daytime walkability is perceived similarly across genders, nighttime perception polarizes sharply, with women and gender minorities feeling unsafe. Activist Nogaye Ndiaye highlighted the need to counter rape culture and infrastructure complicity. Mapping covered 67% of Milan's streets, identifying needs for nighttime gathering spaces, better public lighting, and optimized surface public transport. Laura Galluzzo of The queer city emphasized collective design. Linda Gustafsson from Umeå, Sweden, presented the city's long-standing gender-equality urban planning as a virtuous case. The project advocates for gender mainstreaming and the 15-minute city model.