Inclusive language & equality for women

A post by Maryame Boulhajat, TWB Community member

Inclusive language and equality for women

Choosing an inclusive vocabulary that includes and respects everyone is crucial, as it influences our attitudes and substantially shapes our views and behavior toward women.

What is inclusive language?

Inclusive language acknowledges and promotes diversity. It celebrates the worth and value of all people as it fosters a welcoming and inclusive space. The use of inclusive pronouns, the avoidance of gendered terminology, and the use of language that respects people's identities are all examples of inclusive language.

It is a valuable instrument for achieving social justice and providing equitable treatment

and opportunities for all.

How does inclusive language help combat gender inequality against women?

Many words and phrases we use contribute to gender inequality by perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing negative preconceptions that exclude women. "Manpower," "chairman," and "mankind" are all instances of a language that implicates male dominance. According to a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, participants exposed to inclusive language tend to consider female candidates for leadership positions more equally than participants exposed to masculine language. The study concluded that inclusive language could help combat gender stereotypes and promote gender equality.

Why inclusive language matters for women's empowerment?

How to use inclusive language to empower women?

By adopting the following practical steps to empower women and promote their rights:

1. Use gender-neutral language. Avoid pronouns such as "he" or "she". Use gender-neutral pronouns like "they" or "them."

2. Employ job terms that are not gender-specific, such as "chairperson" rather than "chairman," to avoid using gendered work titles.

3. Use terms like "women of color" and "trans women" to represent the diversity of

women's experiences.

4. Challenge harmful stereotypes: call out language that reinforces harmful

stereotypes about women and instead use respectful and empowering language.

A study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology found that women referred to using gender-neutral language were more likely to rate their male colleagues higher in respect and perceived competence than when they were referred to using gendered language. Inclusive language breaks down women's barriers by creating a culture of respect and equality. It also challenges harmful stereotypes, elevates women’s visibility, and promotes positive representations of women, particularly in male-dominated industries. Inclusive language shapes our thinking and behavior and helps break down the barriers women face. Let's use language that respects the diversity and humanity of women and promotes a culture of respect and equality.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Maryame Boulhajat is a Moroccan-based Engineer and Entrepreneur with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a passion for making a difference. Armed with a Master’s degree in engineering, Maryame has worked across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace, and healthcare. Maryame has always been driven by a desire to do more, particularly for women. With this goal in mind, she has recently shifted her focus to the study of Politics and Sociology, with a particular emphasis on Gender studies. Maryame is also a member of Translators without Borders’ volunteer community, working in Arabic, French, and English.