Alumni Speak
“Designing Cities for All” – Purva Goel on Making Public Spaces Safer for Women
From architecture to urban planning, Apeejay School, Saket alumna’s journey is driven by a passion for gender equity. Here’s more about her purposeful work:
For Purva Goel, an alumna of Apeejay School, Saket, urban planning is more than just designing cities—it’s about creating inclusive, safe spaces for all. As a research associate at Urban Catalyst, she is working on policies that make public transportation safer and empower women in mobility and employment. In this conversation, Apeejay alumna reflects on her transition from architecture to planning, her work with policymakers, and the tangible impact of gender-inclusive urban initiatives. Read edited excerpts:
Purva, tell us about your current work and role at Urban Catalyst.
I am currently working as a research associate at Urban Catalyst, where we focus on making public spaces and transportation more inclusive and safe for women. We conduct research, advocate for policies, and collaborate with government bodies to implement gender-equitable solutions. Our goal is to ensure that women feel empowered while navigating public spaces.
What inspired you to enter this field?
My journey started with architecture, where I worked on designing empowerment centers for women. Over time, I realised that architecture operates on a smaller scale, and urban planning allows for a broader impact. I was particularly drawn to mobility because it affects rural communities significantly. My passion for women’s empowerment and community engagement led me to shift my focus to planning and policymaking.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My role involves extensive research, data analysis, and policy recommendations. I study global trends and explore how they can be adapted to the Indian context. Another key aspect is creating engaging social media content to make our research more accessible. We also work on data visualisation, ensuring complex analytics are presented in a creative and digestible format.
Can you share a success story from your work?
One of our recent achievements was signing an MoU with NITI Aayog, where we proposed integrating women into the EV (electric vehicle) workforce. We developed strategies to encourage women to obtain driving licenses and participate in EV manufacturing as India moves toward its 2030 electric mobility goals. Our recommendations focus on making these opportunities accessible to women through policy changes and corporate partnerships.
And finally, what are some gender inequalities in public spaces that still need attention?
There are many, but a simple example is bus stops. Women often feel unsafe due to poor infrastructure and lighting. The introduction of the pink ticket system, allowing women to travel for free, has helped lower-income women commute longer distances, breaking economic and cultural barriers. However, more work is needed in areas like transport safety, workforce inclusion, and policymaking to create truly gender-equal cities.
