By Oliver Lees
A new interactive map has launched across Victoria to help create more inclusive spaces for women and gender diverse people.
Launched on April 27, YourGround incorporates geolocation mapping that allows users to drop a pin anywhere in the state and indicate the level of safety they feel in that location.
The concept was brought to life by Monash University’s XYX Lab and digital consultancy CrowdSpot, who have partnered with 18 council areas across the state, including Hume council .
XYX Lab co-director Nicole Kalms said the map was developed to help better understand people’s safety concerns and how to address them.
“It’s about understanding the specificity of safety in different places,” Ms Kalms said.
“There are a lot of assumptions on what women and gender diverse people need… this particular tool allows us to gather people’s lived experience.
“We know there is a particular power in numbers… the data can provide a leverage point for prioritising issues that need addressing in local communities.”
According to a 2019 Community Council for Australia report, 80 per cent of Australian men felt safe walking alone at night while only 50 per cent of women felt the same.
In addition to dropping a pin YourGround, users can also share specific details about their feelings of safety.
One user dropped a pin on Cornish Street in Sunbury and noted poor lighting as a safety concern.
Ms Kalms added that all councils across the state had been contacted to form a partnership so that they could use the data to inform their decisions in making public spaces more inclusive.
Hume council acting communications engagement and advocacy director Joel Farrell said the council is striving to become a safer place for all residents.
“We encourage our community to get involved in this initiative, share their experiences within Hume and help us to create a safer city for everyone,” Mr Farrell said.
“Hume council aspires to be a safe community, where all people living, working and visiting Hume actively participate in the community without the fear or risk of harm.”
Ms Kalms said although it is still early lighting, infrastructure, graffiti and behaviour are among the most commonly referenced factors.
“People have a lot to say, there’s a lot of nuance in safety, and we don’t often hear from women and gender diverse people,” she said.
You can visit the map at: www.yourground.org/
