Challenge 2 – Safer Public Spaces for Women and Girls

This challenge is currently in the Proof of Concept stage. The University of Newcastle has been selected to progress their solution.
    
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About the Safer Public Spaces for Women and Girls Challenge

In this Smart City Innovation Challenge, we asked the emerging technology sector to respond to this challenge.
 

How might we use technology to help make public spaces feel safer and more comfortable for women and girls?

 

Quality green, open and public spaces are important to everyone. They are our free parks, gardens and sports fields, walkable shady streets, libraries, museums and galleries, which form the heart of our communities.

It is important that public spaces are inclusive, so everyone can enjoy them.

Research shows that women and girls do not always feel completely safe and comfortable in public spaces, because they worry about crime and harassment.

The Challenge will uncover technology and data solutions to help:

  • Increase people’s feelings of personal safety
  • Make public spaces more accessible for women to improve activation
  • Promote areas for women and girls to walk, play, relax, eat and exercise at all times
  • Understand how women and girls use public spaces through better collection of disaggregated data collection.

Applicants could suggest solutions to address women and girls' safety anywhere in NSW with opportunities to pilot successful solutions in:

More detailed information on the challenge can be found in the Safer Public Spaces for Women and Girls challenge brief.

    Download - Safer Public Spaces for Women and Girls - challenge brief

    How does the Innovation Challenge run?

    The Smart City Innovation Challenge has three phases. Each phase is competitive, and not all applicants will proceed through each phase.

    Phase 1 – Pitchfest: September - November 2022

    Applications outlining a proposed solution to the challenge will be assessed against clear criteria. The judging panel selects up to 10 applicants to present their proposed solution at a Pitchfest event.

    Phase 2 – Feasibility study: January - March 2023

    The pitches are assessed, with up to 3 successful applicants entering into funding agreements for up to $50,000 to conduct a feasibility study over two months in partnership with the NSW Government.

    Phase 3 – Proof of concept: June 2023 – June 2024

    Feasibility studies are assessed, with the potential for 1 applicant to enter into a contract for up to $1 million to develop the concept further ie. proof of concept or trial, for up to 12 months.

     

    For more information