A women-only space is a physical area where only women are allowed. The notion of a women-only space is to provide a place where women do not interact with men.
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Because the point of the space is to provide a "men-free" environment, there is discussion in some circles about whether trans women should be allowed into such spaces, both from an ethical and from a legal perspective. In some cases questions have been raised about the value and legitimacy of particular spaces being reserved for women.
These spaces are sometimes referred to as "safe space." The goal is to provide women an area to work, free of male judgement or harassment.
The concept is a form of sex segregation, and practices such as women-only public toilets, women-only passenger cars on public transport or women's parking spaces may be described using both terms.
History
In 1929 Virginia Woolf published an essay entitled "A Room of One's Own".