An online map lets people log instances of gender inequality

Seen a lack of gender diverse bathrooms somewhere? Drop a pin.
By Johnny Lieu  on 
An online map lets people log instances of gender inequality
The Gender Diverse Map allows decision makers to see the big picture on gender inequality. Credit: crowdspot/monash university

Out and about, you've likely experienced gender inequality in your urban environment.

There might be a lack of female or gender diverse bathrooms at a stadium, or a lack of baby changing facilities accessible to men, or something like bad pram access.

It's the kinds of oversight that CrowdSpot and Monash University's XYX Lab are hoping to track in the Gender Diverse Map, a pilot program which launched in Victoria, Australia on Monday.

The map will allow the public to pinpoint instances of inequality in their neighbourhood, and eventually allow decision makers and designers to see the bigger picture.

"In isolation, individual experiences of gender inequality, like a lack of female change facilities at sports grounds, may not seem significant," Anthony Aisenberg, CrowdSpot's director, said in a statement.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

"However, when we view them collectively, we see the very real impact inequity has on daily life for women, men, trans and gender-diverse people.

"This valuable information will help councils, town planners, architects, policy-makers and the communities rethink how we care for all people in public places, and to identify design changes that improve public spaces, services and facilities to make our community a better place for everyone."

The Gender Diverse Map is currently only available in the cities of Darebin and Melton. Users can select a place spot, which allows one to note either positive or negative issues with public transport or community infrastructure.

Or they can select a story spot, which is for personal experiences or something one has witnessed. On each spot, users can also leave comments in relation to that spot.

Mashable Image
An example from the Gender Diverse Map. Credit: mashable screenshot

The pilot will be open until the end of February 2019. It's a continuation of the Free To Be project, a mapping tool for women to report harassment, run by Crowdspot and charity Plan International.

"The Map will reveal real, everyday experiences of gender inequality that we may not always be aware of," Nicole Kalms, director of Monash University's XYX Lab, added in a statement.

"It gives us a new way to look at our local community."

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com


Recommended For You
The 'Gladiator II' trailer hits the internet like a truck
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal going head to head in 'Gladiator II.'

Donald Glover and Jordan The Stallion link up for lookalike TikTok
Donald glover posing for a camera


Why Twitter is suddenly coconut-pilled for Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks on reproductive rights at Ritchie Coliseum on the campus of the University of Maryland on June 24, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. Harris is speaking on the two year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down federal abortion protections.

Internet Princess Rayne Fisher-Quann left TikTok in search of something beyond the algorithm
Rayne Fisher-Quann walking down the aisle of a church in a red dress.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 11
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 11
a phone displaying Wordle


Webb telescope may have just revealed an alien world with air
A super-Earth orbiting a red dwarf star

'The Acolyte' keeps referencing 'The Last Jedi' — here's why
The Stranger on the unknown planet.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!