insights Getting Home Safely: the women rethinking urban design

What is the Get Home Safe initiative? 

The Get Home Safe initiative by AtkinsRéalis aims to create safer public spaces for everyone, particularly women and girls. 

We are committed to creating inclusive public spaces where everyone feels safe and supported. 

The initiative focuses on several key components:

1. Designing safer public spaces - improving urban design with better lighting, visibility, and safe walking routes to deter offenders and enhance security.
2. Promoting public awareness - raising awareness about harassment and fostering a culture of collective responsibility to support victims.
3. Enhancing reporting mechanisms - developing accessible platforms for reporting harassment and ensuring reports are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
4. Collaboration with law enforcement - increasing patrols in high-risk areas and training officers to handle harassment cases effectively.
5. Support networks - providing victims with resources such as counseling, legal aid, and community support groups.
6. Education and training - offering programs for transport staff, urban planners, and the public on recognizing and addressing harassment.

Meet the women pioneers in creating safer commutes

Meet Adrienne, Kelly, and Rachel, three Transport Planners driven by a shared passion to make a positive impact on the world. They are currently working on the "Getting Home Safely" initiative, focusing on how urban and transport planning can ensure women have a comfortable commute without feeling intimidated or harassed.

Bringing together diverse skills and expertise

Though based in different UK offices, this trio has collaborated on multiple projects over the years, combining their unique disciplines to enhance user experiences across various transport schemes.

Adrienne's journey

Adrienne began her career in AtkinsRéalis' Pedestrian and Cycle Planning team after studying sociology, urbanism, and urban planning. 

She focuses on designing streets as spaces for social and community life, working in multidisciplinary teams to address the complexities of streetscapes from infrastructure to community projects.

Kelly's journey 

Kelly joined AtkinsRéalis after completing her Mathematics degree, drawn by the opportunity to shape transport and accessibility nationwide. 

With 16 years in Transport Planning, she now leads the equality and diversity impact assessment workstream, focusing on social research and assessing the equality impacts of transport schemes.

Rachel's journey 

Rachel, a chartered Transport Planner, sought her next career opportunity at AtkinsRéalis, a leader in sustainable transport. 

Over 16 dynamic years, she has become the national technical lead in Sustainable Transport, specializing in travel change management and developing travel hubs within communities.

The birth of the Getting Home Safely initiative

Rachel: "Our director, passionate about the subject, approached us because of our skill sets. We were delighted with the opportunity! Despite our different lifestyles and locations, we share a passion for ensuring every woman feels safe in public spaces."

Focus on the first and last miles

The team focuses on the first and last 'miles' of journeys in public spaces, typically made on foot and often sources of personal safety concerns. Their approach is to design public spaces with women's safety in mind from the outset. 

Adrienne: "My interest is in women's empowerment, creating urban spaces for families and children. On this project, I focus on streetscapes, walking, cycling, and placemaking."

Kelly: "I aim to drive change in public spaces so women don't feel they must behave a certain way to stay safe. I bring research, statistics, and experience in promoting equality to the initiative." 

Rachel: "My past experience managing personal safety in first and last-mile journeys for a major train operator informs my work on Getting Home Safely. I'm passionate about encouraging more women to walk and cycle."

Addressing gender inequality in Urban Planning

Adrienne: "There is clear inequality in city design, with more women feeling unsafe while traveling compared to men."

Kelly: "Improving transport and public spaces for women benefits everyone. Statistics show high levels of harassment against women in public spaces, even affecting young girls."

Rachel: "Women often face numerous safety concerns that men do not. They are asked to alter their behavior to avoid harassment, which is unfair."

Designing women-friendly cities

Kelly: "We must ensure our cities and public spaces are safe for women by assessing community spaces with women as a specific user group."

Adrienne: "Our toolkit includes measures like clear sightlines, active shop frontages, wide footways, safe havens, and supportive technology."

Rachel: "New designs should consider nighttime safety, not just daytime busy streets."

Why AtkinsRéalis Stands Out

Adrienne: "AtkinsRéalis has focused on gender balance since 2011. Their Women's Development Programme and Professional Network have supported my growth in a male-dominated industry."

Kelly: "AtkinsRéalis' flexible working policy has allowed me to balance career and family. Their clear, global ED&I plan addresses women's needs, such as menopause-related absences."

Rachel: "AtkinsRéalis' supportive culture and inspirational leadership have helped my career thrive. As a single person without children, I feel part of a 'family' community here."

How you can make a difference 

Adrienne: "Share our guidance note widely. Identify areas where these principles can improve your community, and speak to authorities and organizations to make it happen. Be a great citizen who looks out for others on the street." 

We value the diverse perspectives that our people bring and recognize everyone equally for their contributions. That's why it's our vision to see more women taking up senior roles at AtkinsRéalis. 

Learn more about the Get Home Safely initiative and how our ED&I plan prioritizes women's goals and issues.