No, really. The female signals have been installed on ten traffic lights this week in Melbourne’s CBD as part of a 12-month trial.
The Committee for Melbourne – a not for profit group of Melbourne businesses and community groups – is behind the move which it’s calling a step towards reducing “unconscious bias”.
The group says having only green or red silhouettes of men discriminates against women. It’s now hoping to roll out its Equal Crossing initiative across the state.
What price equality?
But what’s the bill for the project?
The ABC is reporting it costs an average of $1,400 to change just one set of lights. Think how many sets of lights there are in the Melbourne CBD.
Unsurprisingly, the Government’s been quick to point out taxpayers aren’t shelling out for the scheme. It’s being funded by the Committee and a local electrical company (Camlex Electrical).
Response to the lights has been mixed however, with most people failing to see the point. “Now deal with violence against women and workplace discrimination,” tweeted one woman.
We don’t mind the idea though. Why not roll them out when the lights need replacing with 50/50 men and women – a win for equality?
