Gender Analysis of a Women-Friendly City: A Case Study of Subang Jaya

Abstract

As Malaysia’s first designated Women-Friendly City, Subang Jaya provides a unique opportunity to examine how gendered perspectives shape urban design and public perception. This study applies gender analysis to assess the planning, implementation, and post-occupancy stages of the city’s development. Through a review of local gender-mainstreaming policies, site observations, expert interviews, and a survey of 200 residents, the research highlights critical gaps and successes in gender integration. Findings indicate limited collaboration between women-friendly city planners and gender policy experts during the planning phase, leading to only partial implementation of gender-responsive measures. Nevertheless, survey results reveal that both women and men generally perceive Subang Jaya as safe. Notably, gender differences in safety priorities emerge: men tend to value CCTV surveillance, while women place greater importance on active safety features like emergency call buttons. This suggests a preference among women for proactive safety mechanisms over passive monitoring systems. The paper argues that embedding a gender-sensitive approach in urban planning is crucial to building inclusive, equitable, and responsive cities—offering important insights for Subang Jaya’s continued evolution as a Women-Friendly City.