Evaluating gender equity in public place naming and public art across Victoria.

“PHNOI aims to address the gender imbalance in public place names and art by increasing the commemoration of women and gender-diverse people. This place-based evaluation – undertaken with communities – will demonstrate the impact of their work across local government areas in Victoria” – Professor Nicole Kalms

The Put Her Name On It (PHNOI) Evaluation project examines the impact and effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving gender equity in public place naming and public art across Victoria. Led by XYX Lab in collaboration with Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic) and Geographic Names Victoria (GNV), the project explores how commemorative practices shape visibility, belonging, participation, and perceptions of safety within the public realm.

The research focuses on selected Victorian local government areas (LGAs) and combines data analysis, surveys, thematic analysis, and case studies to evaluate the outcomes of PHNOI interventions between 2021 and 2026. Drawing on feminist urban research and participatory approaches, the project investigates how public recognition of women and gender-diverse people contributes to more inclusive and representative cities.

The evaluation will identify best-practice approaches for local governments and provide recommendations to support future policy, public engagement, and equitable place naming practices across Victoria.

• Investigators

  • • Professor Nicole Kalms
    • Dr Fatemeh Roohafza
    • Associate Professor Jess Berry
  Monash Art, Design and Architecture

• Partner organisation

  • Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic)
  • Geographic Names Victoria (GNV)
  • Victorian Local Government Areas (participating councils)

• Funded by

  • Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic)
  • Geographic Names Victoria (GNV)

• Undertaken within

  • XYX Lab – Gender + Place