Cultural norms and gender justice: Examining the mediating role of security and accessibility

This study explores how cultural norms, security, and accessibility influence women’s perceptions of gender justice in urban public spaces in Rasht, Iran. Framing gender justice as equitable access to opportunities and services, the research emphasizes the role of socio-cultural factors in urban design. Using a descriptive-analytical method and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 290 women were analyzed through stratified random sampling. Findings show that cultural norms significantly affect both accessibility and security, which mediate perceptions of justice. Cultural norms shape women’s access to amenities and their sense of safety, influencing participation in public life. Among the mediators, accessibility had a stronger indirect impact on perceived justice. The study highlights the need for inclusive urban planning that addresses cultural and structural barriers to promote spatial equity. It also calls for multidimensional strategies and future comparative research on gender justice in public spaces.