UN Women Conducts Gender-Responsive Safety Audit in Vanuatu to Enhance Women's Safety and Mobility
UN Women is undertaking a gender-responsive safety and access audit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, as part of the city's reconstruction efforts following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in December 2024. The audit aims to ensure that the reconstruction of the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) incorporates safety, inclusion, and resilience for women and marginalized groups. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to 'build back better' by addressing urban challenges such as congestion and inadequate infrastructure. UN Women is collaborating with the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning to assess the safety and accessibility of public spaces, focusing on how design and management practices affect women and girls differently. The audit will identify risks related to safety and violence in public spaces and propose measures to mitigate these issues.