Uh oh, they may have missed the mark with this one.
Ten pedestrian figures dressed in skirts were installed on traffic lights in Melbourne yesterday. It’s all part of a gender equality campaign to combat unconscious bias ahead of International Women’s Day.
The 12-month trial was organised by the Committee for Melbourne, a non-profit organisation of businesses and community groups.
Fiona Richardson, Minister for Women, backed the move, saying it would make public space more inclusive of women.
In a statement, she says “There are many small – but symbolically significant – ways that women are excluded from public space,”. It reportedly costs an average of $8,400 to change six traffic lights, here’s where it gets a bit tricky.
Although the project was backed by high-ranking officials, it cost over 8 thousand Australian dollars, and people aren’t happy.
Speaking to the Herald Sun the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, said “I’m all for doing anything we can for gender equity, but really?, I think this sort of costly exercise is more likely to bring derision.”
“Feminism” at its worst ?Melbourne lobby group pushes for ‘gender-equal’ traffic light icons https://t.co/qyFRIqzBJ5
— Cecilia Sagote (@MzEditorInChief) March 7, 2017
At least the gender pay gap means we paid less tax to fund traffic lights that identify with our outfits.
#melbournetrafficlights— Emma Healey (@emmasbrain) March 7, 2017
That’s not a woman…THAT’S A MAN IN DRAG!!!! #Melbourne #trafficlights #wiseup #rollseyes
— Raylt (@AoifeNi) March 7, 2017
If we have to have Mary Poppins for traffic lights can’t it at least say ‘spit spot’? #melbourne #trafficlights #politicalcorrectness pic.twitter.com/0snR2q47jG
— Jenny Wood (@jenny_wood) March 7, 2017
Ouch!
