Female-friendly parking bays sparked a heated debate between hosts Carrie Bickmore and Gretel Killeen on Wednesday night’s episode of The Project.
The discussion began after Bickmore asked Killeen whether she’d feel safer parking in a female allocated area in a car park.
Killeen replied with a bemused tone.
“I’d feel safer if we lived in a society where it wasn’t required…” Killeen said.
Bickmore then spoke over her.
"Yeah - well, that is the point." Bickmore said.
Killeen who was still speaking continued, "I guess for me... would I...? No!"
Bickmore began listing the features of the car park on her fingers.
"It's got extra CCTV, it's near the exit and the entrance." Bickmore said. But Killeen wasn't having any of it and instead, posed a question of her own.
"Is this the result of tormenting women in this particular car park?" Killeen asked.
Waleed Aly jumped in and brought up the female-only train carriages that were discussed in last week's episode.
"Female only carriages was an appalling idea." Killeen said.
"See I liked that idea." Bickmore said.
Eventually Killeen raised the idea of Eva Cox who suggested they put all the men in the 'women's only' carriage.
"Happy for that!" Bickmore said.
"I think we have to find a way that everybody assimilates." Killeen said.
"But we're not - that's the problem," Bickmore said.
Killeen then raised her hand, looking down the camera.
"This one is fine - your taxi cab, no and the train, no." Killeen said.
The disagreement came on the back of City of Perth council announcing they would be trialing 'female-friendly' parking bays in their Pier Street car park for three months.
The parking bays which are marked by pink signs, walls and poles are well-lit, closer to exits and entrances and fitted with additional CCTV security.
City of Perth's chief executive Martin Mileham said the trial aimed to offer greater parking options that improved the customer experience.
“This has been done overseas and the city is conducting this trial to determine if there's a demand for this type of service,” he said.
Men will not be fined for using the bays but are discouraged from parking in the spots.
Top Comments
I personally find that the very point of this whole concept is being misconstrued. I have travelled to countries that implement this idea and I think it's excellent. The concept is not meant to be sexist or to pigeon hole women. It is meant to provide a little more comfort and safety for women. How many articles or news segments do we hear about regarding rape and assaults on women? I think by creating a women's car park area (where they have specifically said they won't fine the men who do park in there anyway) they are being pro active in our society. Its not just the women who this idea is marketed towards, it's for the boyfriends and husbands of women, the mothers and fathers of daughters, some who may have been driving for a short while, and females who have been assaulted and no longer feel comfortable or safe in their own communities.
I think the pink zone is insulting to be honest and also how would that make you safer. If I was someone of any gender (because women can also be thieves and commit assault) I would be going to the pink zone to attack more women or at least watch them to find my pray and then follow. Its like putting a big target on your back "I am a female and I feel afraid so I won't fight back challenged". My friend was assaulted less then 5 metres from a shopping centre exit which was well lit and busy with people. So how about increasing security, CCTV and actually having lights to illuminate the parking areas. Or if your afraid how about have security guards who will help you to your car.