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:
- Designing safer public spaces - improving urban design with better lighting, visibility, and safe walking routes to deter offenders and enhance security.
- Promoting public awareness - raising awareness about harassment and fostering a culture of collective responsibility to support victims.
- Enhancing reporting mechanisms - developing accessible platforms for reporting harassment and ensuring reports are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
- Collaboration with law enforcement - increasing patrols in high-risk areas and training officers to handle harassment cases effectively.
- Support networks - providing victims with resources such as counseling, legal aid, and community support groups.
- 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.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/29/2024
Summary
India has set a world record with 40 % enrolment of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. India is said to have reached a ‘watershed’ moment both for STEM (scie
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/29/2024
Summary
There's a growing demand for cleantech worldwide, but nowhere is it more vital than in Canada. That’s because Canada is one of the world’s biggest producers of carbon dioxide emissions, and is sufferi
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/27/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is David, and I'm the Operations Director for AtkinsRéalis' Strategic Highways projects in the UK. I also serve as the UK and Europe team champion for Equality, Diversity, and Incl
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/26/2024
Summary
Hi, I'm Zoe, Client Director for the Buildings and Places team at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. I'm excited to contribute to the #MakeItBrilliant series, where we share stories about our careers and im
Preview
Latin AmericaContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/26/2024
Summary
"On October 9, AtkinsRéalis was recognized among the top 175 best companies to work for in Brazil at the Great Place to Work® awards!" Olá from Minas Gerais, Brazil! I'm Maria de Lourdes Ba
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/25/2024
Summary
From Roadway Engineers to Traffic Management Specialists, transportation jobs are essential to keeping the US economy moving. Better travel improves daily lives, too. Our work in planning, design
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/25/2024
Summary
The multifaceted role of the project manager has been increasing in importance across virtually every industry in recent years—but what, exactly, is driving the demand? As global markets become
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/25/2024
Summary
With climate change and environmental challenges at the forefront of global concerns, industries worldwide have found that sustainability is now more important than ever before. At AtkinsRéalis
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/21/2024
Summary
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) in the workplace are both ethical obligations and strategic assets. Several studies over the last decade have shown that diverse teams outperform their m
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/20/2024
Summary
Navigating the complex world of project management in Saudi Arabia requires a blend of strategic insight, cultural understanding, and a commitment to nurturing local talent. With the ambitious V
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/20/2024
Summary
Charity, you ‘made it brilliant’ by creating an initiative to make sanitary disposal facilities available and useable for female workers on construction sites. Please tell us how this idea ca
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/19/2024
Summary
Introducing our new Global Emerging Professionals Network at AtkinsRéalis Everyone at AtkinsRéalis is committed to promoting a supportive, innovative, and inclusive workplace.
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Glasgow
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Water
Category
Permanent
Location
Glasgow
Description
Shape the Future of our cities and environments.Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and tog
Reference
R-120886
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Bindu IdicullaAuthor
Bindu IdicullaSalary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Water
Category
Permanent
Location
Epsom
Description
Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and to
Reference
R-116343
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Bindu IdicullaAuthor
Bindu IdicullaSalary
Location
Bristol
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Water
Category
Permanent
Location
Bristol
Swansea
Description
Shape the Future of our cities and environments.Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and tog
Reference
R-114277
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Bindu IdicullaAuthor
Bindu IdicullaSalary
Location
Bristol
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Safety management
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
London
Epsom
Bristol
Description
Do you enjoy working in safety critical industries? Do you enjoy delivering solutions to technically complex problems? Are you passionate about building strong teams of technical specialists? Join us
Reference
R-123598
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shamily GopalAuthor
Shamily GopalSalary
Location
Belfast
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Belfast
Description
The AtkinsRéalis Infrastructure Project Delivery Practice (PDP) is the centre of excellence for the delivery of infrastructure projects and combines the best in project management and design managemen
Reference
R-123483
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Dwithi MAuthor
Dwithi MSalary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Epsom
Description
We are currently seeking a Engineer/Chartered Engineer to join our Bridges and Civils team within our Transportation Practice, based in Epsom. The successful candidate will support our team working on
Reference
R-123654
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you a highly experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a background in machining, inspection, welding, and non-destructive examination, who is excited by the opportunity to develop teams and capabil
Reference
R-123653
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedAuthor
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedSalary
Location
Glasgow
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
London
Epsom
Bristol
Glasgow
Cardiff
Description
Let's make our world safer, smarter, better.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, experti
Reference
R-123596
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sudhan PrabhuAuthor
Sudhan PrabhuSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Natural sciences
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
Description
To meet our growing project workload and help us design and apply new approaches to our work, we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Ecologist to join our Manchester office and become a pa
Reference
R-123504
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ritwi ChatterjeeAuthor
Ritwi ChatterjeeSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
Description
The AtkinsRéalis Infrastructure Project Delivery Practice (PDP) is the centre of excellence for the delivery of infrastructure projects and combines the best in project management and design managemen
Reference
R-123486
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Dwithi MAuthor
Dwithi MEquality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more