Geographic place naming and public art are not just labels or decorative features; they are powerful symbols of recognition and cultural memory. They honour individuals who have made significant contributions to society through community service, volunteerism, achievements in healthcare, science, the arts, and public or military service. These symbolic acts of recognition help preserve the legacy of creativity, bravery, and resilience for future generations.

However, a 2022 research project by the Victorian Local Government on Place Naming and Commemoration highlighted a glaring inequity:

Only 1 in 5 place names commemorate individuals.

Of these, 9 in 10 are named after men.

Less than 1% honour First Peoples’ women or women from multicultural communities.

 

This stark imbalance underscores the need for greater inclusivity in how we choose to honour individuals. Place naming and public art must reflect the contributions of all genders, identities, and cultural backgrounds to ensure a more equitable, inclusive society.

Why Equality Matters

Ensuring gender equality in place naming and public art goes beyond fairness—it creates tangible benefits:

• Breaking Down Stereotypes: Recognising diverse contributions challenges outdated perceptions.
• Creating Inclusive Public Spaces: Equitable representation fosters a sense of belonging.
• Increasing Participation: Seeing themselves reflected in public spaces inspires individuals to engage more fully in their communities.
• Preventing Gender-Based Violence: Inclusive spaces contribute to safety and respect for all genders.

Victoria is leading the way in these efforts with initiatives like the Gender Equality Act and the Our Equal State Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2027). These policies aim to ensure that 70% of all new commemorative place names honour women and require that gender equality is a consideration in all naming proposals.

A Roadmap to Equality: 7 Steps for Change

To help local governments and other naming authorities create equitable naming practices, Gender Equity Victoria and the Put Her Name on It campaign have developed a comprehensive guide. These are the seven key steps to achieving equality in place naming and public art:

1. Undertake a Place Naming and Public Art Audit – Begin by assessing the current landscape. Identify whose stories are being told and whose are missing.
2. Undertake a Gender Impact Assessment – Analyse  the potential effects of your decisions on different genders to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
3. Create a Name Bank – Build a repository of names that reflect the diversity of your community, including people from all genders, identities and backgrounds
4. Establish a Policy – Develop clear policies and targets that prioritise and drive gender equality in naming and public art initiatives.
5. Establish Good Governance and Resourcing – Ensure adequate funding, staffing, and oversight to support sustained efforts toward equality.
6. Maximize Your Efforts – Partner with community, developers, agencies and advocates to amplify impact and gain broader support.
7. Develop an Action Plan – Create a detailed roadmap with measurable goals, timelines, and accountability to guide your progress.

Building a Legacy of Equality

By following these steps, we can reshape the narrative of public recognition to ensure that people of all genders, identities and backgrounds are celebrated for their contributions. This transformation not only honours the past but also lays the foundation for a future where public spaces are safer, more inclusive, and truly reflective of our shared history.

To learn more about how you can support these efforts, access resources, and find inspiration, visit Gender Equity Victoria’s webpage. Together, we can create a legacy of equality that inspires generations to come.