Western University's Student Recreation Centre is offering women a segregated fitness and recreation space to ensure they feel "safe and included" accessing the gym on campus.

The pilot project, which launches Tuesday, was initiated after some women shared concerns with the University Students' Council (USC).

"We've heard from students that they feel unsafe and on guard when accessing some university facilities," said Mikaela Harrison, communications officer for the USC.

She said the project ensures women, and those who identify as women, "feel included and that they can access space … and feel safe doing so."

Harrison said some of the concerns revolved around "religious accommodation specifically for Muslim women ... male dominated culture around strength and conditioning, and around using the actual equipment."

Harrison said the move was also inspired by a petition that was launched back in 2012 demanding a women's only section. It was backed by more than 260 supporters.

'Can't provide full privacy'

The fourth floor of the gym will be designated for women every Tuesday and Thursday between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Western University' s rec centre is located on 1151 Richmond Street. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Staff and volunteers will monitor the stairwell entrance and elevator to ensure women are only entering the access points, which lead to the area that includes a flat surface with free weights, spinning and cardio equipment, as well as three gymnasiums and two studios.

Officials said several kinesiology classes and intramural and varsity activities were shuffled around to allow for the accommodation.

However, Gareth Cunningham, associate director of recreation and facilities, said the area "can't provide full privacy."

"One of the things the building won't particularly allow is really exclusive private access," he said, noting the gym's open-concept design.

There won't be any physical dividers or blinds, making small parts of the space visible to others in the gym. There also aren't any washrooms or lockers on the fourth floor.

"This was meant to be as less resource intensive as possible," he said.

Women who wear a hijab, a religious head covering, require complete segregation from men should they wish to remove their hijabs while working out.

Cunningham said women would have complete privacy inside the gymnasiums and studios.

Labiba Zahin, left, and Mariam El-Temtamy say a women's only gym section is encouraging. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Student reaction

Labiba Zahin and Mariam El-Temtamy each wear a hijab.

The third year students both signed the 2017 petition asking for a women's only section.

"This gives hijabies a more free space to be themselves," said Zahin. She said she once had to "constantly" worry about her hijab slipping off or loosening and exposing her hair while playing badminton.

El-Temtamy said would "feel more comfortable going and trying out the [gym]," adding that she would also feel more comfortable wearing whatever she wants.

Shafa Abdul, another third year student, said some women feel unsafe at co-ed gyms due to "harassment and body insecurity" problems, and that this may be a temporary solution.

Meanwhile, Christopher Oestergaard, a master's student, said there are alternative ways to tackling some concerns.

Christopher Oestergaard says there are other ways to deal with concerns raised. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

"I think it's good when we all share the same space and talk to each other and respect each other. I think that's more beneficial than splitting people apart," he said.

"I think we should talk more about the issues and ask the question why do people feel uncomfortable, and try to change it instead of making certain areas [segregated]."

Students will be asked to share feedback through email and possibly through a survey or focus group.

Officials will re-evaluate the pilot project sometime in February.

Several gyms in London already provide spaces for women-only including GoodLife Fitness and Movati Athletic.