Female-friendly residential facilities and living satisfaction: evidence from Yangpu District, Shanghai

With the acceleration of global urbanization, the development of female-friendly cities has become a key objective in urban planning. This study investigates strategies for optimizing residential community facilities in Yangpu District, Shanghai, from a female-friendly perspective, aiming to inform policymakers and improve the quality of life and satisfaction of women.

Drawing on field surveys conducted across 36 communities and 923 valid questionnaires, descriptive statistical analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to examine women's daily needs regarding safety, convenience, and opportunities for social interaction.

The key findings reveal that, first, the built environment of community facilities significantly influences perceptions of female-friendliness and residential satisfaction, with recreational facilities exerting the strongest impact. Second, the direct relationship between female-friendliness and satisfaction is relatively weak, potentially due to individual differences and variations in environmental contexts. Finally, subjective perception mediates the relationship between the built environment and overall satisfaction.

Based on these findings, this study proposes a comprehensive strategy: implementing incentive policies and evaluation mechanisms; optimizing spatial layouts, establishing women-specific facilities, and enhancing connectivity; and strengthening facility management and service standards.