The security of urban women: practice, research, and partnerships

All public bodies whose mandate includes responsibility for the quality of urban life cannot ignore the question of security. On a global level, it is agreed that action needs to be taken locally, with the input of everyone involved. Since women have more at stake where safety issues are concerned, it is logical that security plans be drawn up that prioritize them. The interaction of public bodies, community organizations, and individual women is in itself innovative, enriching everyone involved, despite the inherent drawbacks and demands. International information networks on women's security are expanding and can help the new partnerships refine their working methods, to the benefit of all, regardless of gender. Still, the transfer of knowledge between partners and among the population is fundamental and demanding. The same applies to the need to develop methods and criteria of evaluation that are adapted to the specific realities of the partnership for prevention of crime and violence towards women.