Assessment of Gendered Experiences of Urban Insecurity Among Women in Kano Metropolis

Urban insecurity is experienced differently by women and men, with women facing specific threats including sexual harassment, assault in public spaces, and restriction of movement that limit their full participation in urban economic and social life. This study assesses women's gendered experiences of urban insecurity in Kano Metropolis, focusing on Fagge, Gwale, and Dala Local Government Areas. A mixed-method design was adopted, with 260 women completing structured questionnaires and 40 participating in focus group discussions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that 67% of respondents modify their daily movements due to fear of harassment or assault, avoiding specific locations, limiting travel hours, and foregoing economic activities perceived as risky. Public transport spaces, markets, and poorly lit streets emerge as the highest-risk locations in women's accounts. Verbal harassment is the most commonly reported form of insecurity, experienced by 74% of respondents, followed by physical intimidation at 41%. Women from lower socioeconomic groups face greater exposure due to inability to afford safer transport alternatives. Recommendations include gender-sensitive urban planning incorporating lighting and safe transport, community policing involving women in security structures, and legal literacy on women's right to safe public spaces. Keywords: urban insecurity, women, Kano Metropolis, public space, gender-based violence