Looking through different lenses at meeting places in disadvantaged Dutch neighbourhoods: A qualitative participatory study assessing needs, barriers and success elements for women with non-Western migration backgrounds and teenage girls.

Abstract

The living environment can significantly influence health negatively, particularly in disadvantaged neighbourhoods where risk factors and limited resources converge. Social cohesion and inclusive meeting places promote well-being, yet little is known about what makes these spaces accessible and meaningful for specific groups. This study explored how neighbourhood meeting places can better align with the needs of two often underrepresented groups: women with a non-Western migration background and teenage girls (12-18 years old), in four disadvantaged Dutch neighbourhoods. A qualitative participatory study was conducted in four municipalities in the Netherlands in March 2024 - June 2025. Data were collected through a neighbourhood orientation, focus groups, PhotoVoice, interviews, and validation sessions with neighbourhood workers, women, and girls, to assess the needs, barriers and success elements regarding meeting places. Thematic analysis was guided by the Movement Friendly Environment model, organizing data into four domains: physical design (hardware), social use (software), organizational structures (orgware), and perception (mindware). In total, 97 participants contributed: 29 neighbourhood workers, 44 women, and 24 girls. The results, structured according to the four 'wares,' revealed a broad range of needs and experiences regarding meeting places. Women and girls valued clean, nearby, and welcoming public spaces with sufficient seating, safety, greenery and gender-sensitive design. Preferred activities included cooking, language learning, informal gatherings, and sports, ideally in familiar, culturally sensitive, and child-friendly settings. Ownership, trust and feelings of safety were important factors in fostering engagement. Barriers included unclear communication, language difficulties, lack of childcare, and feelings of unsafety. Neighbourhood workers played an important role in outreach, facilitation, and empowerment. Accessible, inclusive and meaningful meeting places for women and teenage girls emerge when physical, social, and organizational elements are aligned and mutually reinforcing, and are integrated with citizen's perception, participation, engagement, and strong social networks.