Young Women in Kostheim Light Up Change Through Safety Walks
A group of young women in Kostheim has taken the lead in improving local safety. They organised a guided walk called My City, My Feelings to highlight areas where poor lighting made them feel unsafe. The initiative has already led to concrete changes in the neighbourhood.
The walk was planned and led by young women from local youth centres. They were joined by city officials and members of the local council as they moved through Kostheim at night. Their goal was to pinpoint spots where darkness or isolation created discomfort, particularly between key locations.
One immediate result was the installation of new lighting along the path between the indoor pool and the sports hall. The city's municipal services provider carried out the work shortly after the walk. Dr. Patricia Becher, head of the Social Affairs Department, stressed the need to listen to young women's experiences when planning public spaces. Their input helps shape targeted improvements rather than relying on assumptions.
The Kostheim project is now seen as a model for gender-sensitive urban planning. It shows how better lighting can enhance both safety and the sense of presence in an area. Other sites flagged during the walk are currently under review by relevant city departments for possible upgrades.
The My City, My Feelings walk has already delivered its first visible change: brighter pathways near community facilities. Further locations identified by the group may see similar updates in the future. The project highlights how youth-led initiatives can directly influence local planning decisions.
