MEDIA RELEASE

Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC)’s Put Her Name On It campaign has secured an additional $255,000 across the next two years, ensuring it can continue its work to increase the number of places, monuments and statues named after women.

A 2022 survey of local government areas in Victoria highlighted that women were significantly under-represented in commemorative place-naming. Since then, thanks to the advocacy of Put Her Name On It, there are more places named after women than ever before. In fact, there were more places named after women in 2025 than ones named after men.

The funding renewal is an extension of the partnership between GEN VIC and Geographic Names Victoria. This partnership is vital to meeting the Victorian government’s goal to have 70% of new commemorative places named after women by 2027.

Micaela Drieberg, CEO of Gender Equity Victoria, applauded the government for the funding extension, but said more work needs to be done to ensure progress doesn’t stall.

“You can’t be what you can’t see, and at the moment, girls and gender diverse people across Victoria can’t see themselves in the naming of public places that mark our history,” said Ms Drieberg.

“Stand on any street corner in Melbourne’s CBD, and you’ll see men’s names on most of the signs. This isn’t just about equality, it’s about justice. Through Put Her Name On It, we’re slowly shifting the system and challenging the notion that only men’s achievements matter,” added Ms Drieberg.

Kerry Wilson, Director of Put Her Name On It, said the campaign has highlighted a wider issue.

“Once we begin to recognise the inequality that exists on our streets, we’re able to work towards a better future, one where people of all genders and abilities are recognised for their contributions and how they shape our collective culture and history,” said Ms Wilson.

Put Her Name On It was established by Women in Gippsland in 2020. Gender Equity Victoria and the Put Her Name On It campaign look forward to continuing to advocate for commemorative justice alongside Geographic Name Victoria’s Our Equal Places program.

Click here for more information about Put Her Name On It. Click here for more information about Our Equal Places.

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