FemaleFriendly

FemaleFriendly refers to a concept or label used to describe products, services, environments, or policies that are designed to be welcoming and safe for women and to respond to women's needs. The term is not standardized and does not imply a single official criteria; rather it is used by organizations to signal attention to gender-inclusive considerations, such as safety, accessibility, representation, and ease of use.

Applications appear across consumer goods (fashion, cosmetics, apps, vehicles), public services (transportation, hospitality), workplaces, and digital platforms. In retail and marketing, the label may accompany gender-focused product development or customer experience programs. In corporate settings, it can align with diversity and inclusion goals and with user research practices that collect feedback from women and caregivers.

Key practices include user research with diverse women, iterative prototyping, safety and privacy protections, clear labeling and information, and accessible language. Physical and digital design may address ergonomics, adequate lighting, quiet spaces, and accessibility for caregivers or parents. Transparent criteria and independent verification can help maintain credibility.

Critics argue that the term risks stereotyping or excluding non-binary and transgender people, or serving as branding without substantive change. Without formal standards, "FemaleFriendly" claims may be difficult to verify. Critics also caution against essentialist assumptions about women's needs and emphasize that inclusive design should go beyond gender alone.

See also: inclusive design, gender-inclusive design, accessibility, women’s safety, consumer labeling.