AV����Ƶ

Public Place Naming: Towards a Gender Inclusive Cityscape

Photo: Demonstration in Rio in memory of the assassinated councillor and activist Marielle Franco (José Lucena/Futura Press)

The AV����Ƶ, under its UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Toponymy, is excited to announce the release of a policy brief titled Public Place Naming: Towards a Gender Inclusive Cityscape. This initiative benefited from the efforts of Professor Frédéric Giraut, a member of the GEDT hub, and aims to address the noticeable gender gap in public space through the feminisation of place names.

The brief speaks to local authorities, elected officials, administrative bodies, neighbourhood and heritage associations, feminist activist groups, and educational institutions. Its contents target stakeholders interested in place naming and its social implications. It was developed following a multi-stakeholder forum that critically analysed various inspiring experiences. Geneva's proactive strategies are a vital reference point supported by the City of Geneva.

The policy brief outlines several actionable recommendations :

• Mapping the issue
• Identifying notable female figures for potential naming
• Creating new place names
• Ensuring qualitative naming practices

��These suggestions encourage all involved parties to engage creatively and thoughtfully in revitalising and enhancing public space. This approach aims to blend functionality with inclusion, participation, and a deeper understanding of these places' social and historical contexts.

The full policy brief is available here.