The Effectiveness of Female-Only Car Parks in Enhancing Women’s Safety
Introduction
Female-only car parks have been introduced in Malaysia to enhance women’s safety in urban areas, particularly in the wake of tragic incidents like the 2003 case of Canny Ong, who was abducted from a basement car park and later found murdered. However, their long-term effectiveness remains uncertain, according to All Women’s Action Society deputy president Khairiah Abdul Malik.
The Need for Broader Approaches
While female-only facilities, such as parking spaces, may provide immediate reassurance for women, they do little to address broader public safety concerns. Khairiah noted that female-only facilities show mixed results in reducing crime. A 2020 nationwide survey by Engender Consultancy found that 58.6% of respondents had experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, with 70.4% of incidents occurring during the daytime.
Essential Features for Effective Female-Only Parking Spaces
Khairiah emphasized that essential features for effective female-only parking spaces include better lighting, surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and security personnel to enhance protection. These features promote security, empowering women to engage in public life more freely. However, misuse by men or couples undermines their purpose, persisting due to insufficient legal enforcement and lack of penalties for rule-breakers.
Challenges and Solutions
Lee Ming Hui, a 24-year-old banker from Damansara, expressed frustration over the frequent misuse of female-only parking spaces by men. Women’s Aid Organisation acting executive director Nazreen Nizam stressed that stricter enforcement and penalties are necessary to prevent misuse. Nazreen suggested penalties, such as fines or towing vehicles, to deter misuse. Additionally, constant surveillance through CCTV, regular security patrols, and clear signage would support enforcement efforts and increase the likelihood of detection and punishment.
Addressing Underlying Systemic Issues
Khairiah highlighted that several factors still need to be addressed to improve the safety of female-only parking areas, including better infrastructure and changing societal attitudes towards women’s safety. Many malls in Malaysia offer good security for female-only car parks, but poor lighting, inadequate surveillance, and unclear signage can undermine their effectiveness, increasing fear. Well-maintained areas with good lighting and visible security are essential for safety.
Conclusion
While female-only car parks provide temporary relief, it is essential to adopt a broader approach encompassing better urban design, stricter rules, and cultural education to create inclusive and safe public spaces for everyone. Safety in female-only car parks is a shared responsibility among women, facility management, and the public. Through cooperation, awareness, and consistent use of safety resources, female-only parking spaces can achieve their intended purpose of providing a secure and accessible environment for women.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the essential features for effective female-only parking spaces?
A: Better lighting, surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and security personnel to enhance protection.
Q: What are the challenges faced by female-only parking spaces?
A: Misuse by men or couples, insufficient legal enforcement, and lack of penalties for rule-breakers.
Q: How can we address the misuse of female-only parking spaces?
A: Stricter enforcement, penalties, constant surveillance through CCTV, regular security patrols, and clear signage.
Q: What is the importance of changing societal attitudes towards women’s safety?
A: Changing societal attitudes towards women’s safety is crucial to creating inclusive and safe public spaces for everyone.