In the first episode of this three-part mini-series, Kuljeet speaks with Dr Ellie Cosgrave and Gaia Crocella from Publica CIC to explore what safety in public spaces really means for women and girls. Moving beyond assumptions, surveillance-led fixes, and design “quick wins,” this conversation unpacks the structural inequalities that shape how public space is experienced differently across gender, age, identity, and context. Ellie and Gaia bring forward a powerful combination of research, data, and lived experience, drawing on feminist urbanism and evidence-based methodologies. Together, they explore the gap between design intent and lived reality, and why meaningful participation is essential for reimagining safer, more equitable spaces.
This episode sets the foundation for the series, highlighting that safety is not merely the absence of harm; it is about freedom, usability, belonging, and visibility.
Find out more about the work Publica CIC does here: Website | Instagram
Find out more or reach out to Diverse Dialogues here: Website | Instagram
Thank you to our collaborators:
Edited and mixed by Wilfred Petherbridge
Recorded with the Content Production Team at the London College of
Fashion, Alex Marshall, Dan Adakpor, Nicholas Sargeant, and Oliver Furlong.
Music via Epidemicsound:
Spectre in the Leaves, by DonVayei
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