Sweden to Change "Walk" Symbol's Gender

Well, here's something I haven't heard a lot of women complaining about, equality-wise. I hear a lot more complaints about equal pay (and justifiably so), particularly after the non-passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fail Pay Act. Sweden is about to introduce a new "Walk" icon at street lights, one in a feminine vein.

Cities will be able to choose their street sign gender, however, going with either or both, if they wish.

"The Swedish government has asked the Swedish Road Administration to design the new sign. The administration should get back to us October 1 with proposals," a spokeswoman for the infrastructure ministry said.

The idea was initiated launched by the small southwestern town of Mariestad, which installed roadsigns featuring women crossing the road. It then spread, and apparently became a popular idea.

The new signs could be posted by the end of this year or early next year.