Make Space for Girls is an early-stage, pioneering charity that campaigns for UK parks and public spaces to be designed to be inclusive of teenage girls. We raise awareness of the current inequality, and use research and campaigning to ensure that girls’ voices are heard in design and planning.
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Parks and public spaces for older children and teenagers are currently designed for the default male. Our research shows that the majority of outdoor public spaces are not used by, or welcoming to, teenage girls. The lack of park facilities for teenage girls, and the barriers excluding them from current provision, has a critical impact on their physical and mental health, and raises significant issues of spatial equity. Public space currently tells teenage girls: “there’s nothing for you".
MSFG uses research, campaigning and professional training to bring awareness of the issue to policymakers, local councils, architects and developers across the UK, to seek change at a systemic level. We also share best practice for engagement with teenage girls, so that their views and needs can be built into new projects across the UK. MSFG’s ultimate aim is to change national policy, with the result that all parks and public spaces across the UK are designed to be gender-inclusive.
