GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?

Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025

Civil Service ValuesEthics in Private and Public LifeAccountability and Ethical GovernanceEmpathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

How toppers approached it

From all 6 answers · about 150 words · 33% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening67%
  • A figure17%
  • A quotation17%

Body

  • Points67%
  • Points and prose33%

Close

  • A quotation33%
  • A summary33%
  • No separate close17%
  • A way forward17%

The toppers’ answers

A R RajahAIR 7 · CSE 2025 · 131 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The Roman empire's public spaces led to the birth of thinkers and democracy, thus highlighting that the gender neutral public participation to be important.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Public spaces - 1. Women's safety issue - 2. Lack of freedom from homes - 3. Low participation due to hesitation - 4. Societal pressure to stay at home

Factors affecting women's access

Diagram
- I Women - 1. feeling unsafe in public spaces - 2. lack of female specific places - Eg: Parks for women in London - 3. Entrenched Patriarchy in their minds

II Family → (1) Discouraging them from going out. (2) Making gender specific care roles in household. (3) Consuming time in household chores.

III Public Spaces → (1) Lack of safety measures. (2) Promoted to be gender neutral but not so in reality.

Ethical governance:

  • Tackling gendered spatial control (1) Tackling safety concerns. → POSH Act comprehensive (2) Ensuring the creation of female centric space Eg → Exercise Parks, Delhi.

  • Promoting inclusivity (1) Ensuring awareness among women. (2) Encouraging SHGs. Eg → Kudumbashree meetings. (3) Timing specific - for women.

Close · a framework

Thus, to achieve SDG-5 - gender neutral public spaces are needed.

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