Female Figures on Traffic Lights in Melbourne

In an effort to promote gender equality between women and men, pedestrian signals in some traffic lights in Melbourne have been changed to female figures. According to the ABC Australia website, ten traffic lights in Melbourne will feature female pedestrian figures instead of the usual male figures for a one-year trial period. This initiative is led by the 'Melbourne Committee,' a non-profit organization supported by over 120 business and social groups in the city. Martin Letz, the executive director of this group, believes that the presence of male figures in these signals is a sign of discrimination against women. Mr. Letz states that displaying images of both women and men in these signals helps reduce 'unconscious bias' in people's minds. He mentions that Melbourne is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and they aim to make it one of the most gender-equal cities as well. The group is advocating for the installation of both female and male figures in all pedestrian signals throughout Melbourne and eventually in the state of Victoria. Some opponents of this plan have described it as 'political posturing' and argue that it wastes money that could be spent on more serious issues related to gender inequality. However, supporters, including the Governor of Victoria, believe that symbols and signs play a significant role in achieving the belief in equality. Letz argues that these signs remind us that fifty percent of pedestrians are women and therefore should be represented in pedestrian signals. He states that 'the culture of gender inequality stems from very small issues—such as portraying men as the only pedestrians—and larger issues, such as the rate of domestic violence.' The cost of changing each signal is 1,400 Australian dollars.