A framework for caring cities.
She RISES
She RISES is a comprehensive assessment framework developed by Safetipin in 2022 to advance gender transformation in cities across India, with the broader vision of building caring, inclusive urban environments where women and girls can lead fulfilling lives and engage equally in the economic, social, and political fabric of the city.
Based on our decade long experience of engaging with urban stakeholders and recognizing that urban spaces have been designed without adequately reflecting women’s lives and experiences, She RISES aims to shift the narrative by embedding a gender lens into urban planning, design and governance. At its core, the framework focuses on equity, and participation ensuring that women are able to engage and participate in shaping their cities.
Our Services
Assessment frameworks and indicators
Assessment frameworks and indicators
Technical assistance
Technical assistance
Capacity building of urban stakeholders
Capacity building of urban stakeholders
Evidence generation through research
Evidence generation through research
Safetipin has developed robust tools and metrics that enable cities to assess their current status and progress toward becoming gender-responsive. These indicators cover a wide range of urban features such as city infrastructure including streetlights, footpaths, public toilets, availability and usage of public transport, basic services and mechanisms for response to gender based violence. The indicators developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have been piloted with over 8 Smart Cities in India. Based on the shared data, Safetipin has suggested a roadmap highlighting key strengths and potential areas towards advancing gender responsiveness in cities.
Safetipin provides technical assistance to city authorities to integrate gender perspectives into urban planning through the collection, analysis, and application of gender-disaggregated data. Using digital tools and other research tools, Safetipin captures insights about women’s experiences in public spaces and transport. This data is then used to inform the design and implementation of infrastructure projects ranging from transport systems to public spaces while also supporting cities with actionable recommendations to ensure gender equity is embedded in both policy and practice.
Building the capacity of urban stakeholders on the need and importance of gender-inclusive planning is imperative to foster equitable and responsive urban development. By equipping the stakeholders- government officials, NGOs, CSOs and others with the knowledge and skills to understand and integrate gender perspectives, the planning process becomes responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of users. Safetipin develops and delivers customised training, workshops, and learning modules (both in-person and online modes) focused on integrating gender disaggregated data and approaches into urban decision-making towards building gender inclusive and responsive cities.
Understanding the unique challenges diverse groups of women face in public spaces and transport systems is central to the She Rises approach. Through research, we capture women’s needs, challenges and experiences in an urban environment. Such insights play a critical role in highlighting gender-based concerns such as lack of safety, accessibility, time poverty, caregiving responsibilities, and social norms that limit women’s participation in cities. These insights are essential for guiding policymakers and urban professionals and form the basis for informed policy and design interventions that reflect real-world needs.
She RISES in Action
9
Pilot Cities
8
Capacity Building Workshops Conducted
6
Research Reports Generated
How does She RISES work
The framework assesses the gender responsiveness of urban systems based on five key pillars:
- Gender responsive policy initiatives
- Public spaces and infrastructure
- Mobility and public transport
- Services and amenities
- Response to gender-based violence
Through She RISES, Safetipin offers a structured, data-driven, and inclusive approach to urban development that places women’s experiences, voices, and leadership at the center of city-making. By working across policy, infrastructure, mobility, services, and safety, the framework empowers cities to move beyond token inclusion toward truly gender-responsive transformation.
As Indian cities continue to grow and evolve, She RISES serves as a roadmap for building equitable urban futures, where all women and girls can move freely, live safely, and participate fully in shaping the cities they call home.
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