The Socio-Economic Impact of Open Spaces on Women in a Spontaneous Settlement

Neema Bhatt received her Bachelor of Architecture from Bangalore University, India, In 1989. She worked at HUDCO as a student-trainee tora periodof twelve weeks and has been associated with HUDCO since then. She has worlced at the architectural planning and research laboratory (APRL) at the University ofMichigan. Her currant professional Interests are in urban planning and landscape architecture, particularly in the context of the Third World. The impact ofpockets of open spaces, resulting from organic growth in an economically weak, low-income group (LIG) settlement, on the female inhabitants was studied. On the one hand, the open spaces provided a venue for women to carry out small businesses, a forum for their participation in social exchanges, and a miniature playground for their small children. On the other hand, increased usage of open spaces led to their physical degradation, resulting in unhygienic surround­ ings. The role ofopen spaces in the everyday life of women in degraded settlements is thus complex.