The Woman-Friendly City: Lessons from Post-Industrial Tirana

Rethinking Urban Spaces Through a Gender Lens

Together with Dr. Dorina Pojani from the University of Queensland and Dr. Joana Dhiamandi, I co-authored research examining how two post-industrial areas in Tirana — Kombinati and Porcelain — respond to the contemporary needs of women and families.

These neighborhoods were built around communist-era factories and carry the legacy of Albania's industrial past. Today, they face rapid transformation as the city grows and changes. But who benefits from that transformation? And whose needs are being overlooked?

What We Found

Our research revealed that urban planning in these areas often fails to account for the daily realities of women — from safety and mobility to access to childcare, green spaces, and community services. The concept of a "woman-friendly city" isn't about creating separate spaces for women; it's about designing cities that work for everyone by centering the experiences of those who are often marginalized in planning processes.

Key Themes

• Safety and mobility: How do women navigate these neighborhoods, and what barriers exist?
• Access to services: Are schools, healthcare, and community spaces within reach?
• Public space quality: Do parks and gathering areas serve diverse needs?
• Participation: Are women's voices included in planning decisions?

A Framework for Change

This research contributes to a growing body of work on gender-responsive urban planning — particularly relevant for cities in the Western Balkans and post-socialist contexts where rapid development often outpaces inclusive planning.

The woman-friendly city isn't a utopian ideal. It's a practical framework for making better decisions about the places where we all live.

Published in collaboration with Dr. Dorina Pojani (University of Queensland) and Dr. Joana Dhiamandi.