There seems to be a lot of man-spreading at the Australian National University, with buildings bearing men’s names taking up more than their fair share of space. Of the 150 buildings on ANU campus, five bear women’s names.

So, with all due respect to John Curtin and his School of Medical Research, it’s time to recognise trailblazing ANU women with bricks and mortar.

Today, the ANU has received more than 50 nominations for women to be honoured, from which eight will be chosen. The nominations came from a mix of students, staff and alumni. Their nominations can be for a graduate, former staff member or someone with notable accomplishments that have influenced the ANU’s development.

Only deceased nominees will be considered for building nominations, while living nominees will be considered for alternative ways to honour them.

It was only in 2019, when the new Kambri precinct was built, that it became apparent that existing building names were very white and male. As a result, the new teaching building and student centre were named after Marie Reay (anthropologist) and Di Riddell (long-standing Student Association staffer).

The other three ANU buildings named after women include: Molley Huxley Building (named after a pioneering historian), Beryl Rawson building (named after a path-breaking professor of ancient history), and Hanna Neumann building (named after an inspirational mathematics professor).

With more work to be done in closing the gender gap, let’s take a look at possible building names for ANU’s female alumni. How about Hannah Gadsby glades? The comedian, writer and actor would surely be chuffed to know her name is immortalised in turf.

Or perhaps Katy Gallagher greens? (no link to the Greens political party). Being the Federal Minister for Women, she’s perfect for the title. Then there’s Therese Rein, who was a self-made woman long before being “wife of the PM”. Rather than stand in former PM Kevin Rudd’s shadow, she was (still is) a successful entrepreneur. Therese Rein roundabout perhaps?

There are too many names to mention here and the ANU is fortunate to have such remarkable and legacy-building women, both past and present.

The eight selected names will be announced in August and celebrated throughout 2024 and International Women’s Day 2025.