A B S T R A C T
Women in developing countries, including Iran, face various challenges in accessing and utilizing urban spaces. These challenges stem from limited access to safe environments, inadequate facilities, and socio-cultural constraints, which hinder their presence and participation in urban life. This study evaluates the status of Ardabil as a "Women-Friendly City" based on key indicators. Employing a descriptive-analytical and survey-based approach, data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire. The statistical sample consisted of 384 women from Ardabil, selected using Cochran’s formula and simple random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using a one-sample t-test in SPSS, along with structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in AMOS. The findings revealed that the six indicators associated with a Women-Friendly City in Ardabil were below the average reference level (3) and generally unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the path analysis results in AMOS indicated that the environmental dimension (β = 0.64) had the most significant impact on improving urban quality, followed by the physical (β = 0.56), accessibility (β = 0.54), health (β = 0.46), socio-cultural (β = 0.39), and safety-security (β = 0.37) dimensions. These results emphasize the critical role of environmental and physical factors in shaping inclusive urban spaces for women. Hence, urban planners should prioritize these elements to foster greater female participation in urban settings.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Urban environments significantly shape individuals' daily experiences, particularly for women, whose mobility, safety, and participation in public spaces are often hindered by socio-cultural and physical constraints. The concept of a "Women-Friendly City" has emerged as a framework for assessing urban areas based on inclusivity, accessibility, and overall quality of life for women. This perspective highlights the importance of gender-sensitive urban planning that ensures equitable opportunities for women to engage in social, economic, and cultural activities within the city.
In many developing countries, including Iran, women face numerous obstacles when navigating urban spaces. These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited safety measures, and deep-rooted cultural norms that restrict women's presence in public areas. Consequently, their access to essential services, economic opportunities, and overall sense of belonging in the city is compromised. Addressing these issues requires a systematic evaluation of factors that contribute to a women-friendly city, providing urban planners and policymakers with insights to implement targeted improvements that enhance women’s urban experiences.
This study examines Ardabil in Iran to evaluate its status as a women-friendly city based on six critical indicators: environmental, safety and security, socio-cultural, accessibility, health, and physical-visual aspects. By assessing these dimensions, the research aims to highlight existing shortcomings and propose solutions for improving urban conditions for women. Accordingly, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:

To what extent does Ardabil meet the criteria of a "Women-Friendly City"?
Which components and indicators of a Women-Friendly City are most influential in Ardabil?

 
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, combining library research and field research. The library research phase involved reviewing existing studies to develop the theoretical framework, while the field research phase collected primary data through a structured questionnaire.The study population comprised 292,997 female residents of Ardabil, with a sample size of 384, determined using Cochran’s formula at a 5% error margin. A systematic random sampling method was used to ensure a representative selection of participants.
The questionnaire, structured on a 5-point Likert scale, consisted of 58 items measuring 6 core dimensions such as environmental, safety and security, socio-cultural, accessibility, health, and physical-visual aspects. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.988.
For data analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS was used to examine variable relationships, while T-tests in SPSS assessed component scores relative to the reference value (3). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was conducted to evaluate data normality.
 
Results and discussion
This study evaluated Ardabil’s status as a women-friendly city based on six key indicators. The findings show that 59% of participants were married, with the majority aged 31–40 years. In terms of education, 29% held a bachelor's degree, while only 7% had a doctoral degree.
The T-test results indicate that all six indicators scored below the reference value (3), suggesting an unsatisfactory urban environment for women. The environmental factor had a mean score of 2.83, while safety and security (2.92), socio-cultural (2.78), accessibility (2.85), health (2.85), and physical-visual (2.98) also reflected unfavorable conditions. These findings highlight the need for urban policy improvements to enhance women's experiences in Ardabil.
Moreover, path analysis in AMOS identified the environmental factor (β = 0.64) as having the strongest influence on urban quality, followed by physical-visual (β = 0.56), accessibility (β = 0.54), health (β = 0.46), socio-cultural (β = 0.39), and safety-security (β = 0.37). These results suggest that enhancing environmental and physical infrastructure should be a priority in urban planning to create a more inclusive city for women.
 
Conclusion
This study examined the status of Ardabil as a women-friendly city, focusing on the influence of key urban indicators on enhancing women's quality of life. The T-test results indicated that all six indicators such as environmental, safety and security, socio-cultural, accessibility, health, and physical-visual, fell below the reference value, reflecting an unfavorable urban condition for women. Additionally, path analysis demonstrated that the environmental factor (β = 0.64) had the strongest impact on urban quality, whereas the safety and security factor (β = 0.37) had the least influence. These findings underscore the necessity of strategic urban planning and policy reforms to create a more inclusive and supportive urban environment for women. Enhancing environmental and physical infrastructure should be a priority in making Ardabil a safer, more accessible, and gender-responsive city.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.