GenderTerm: UN Women online resources on the use of gender-inclusive language (2024)

FAQs

What are some examples of gender inclusive language? ›

Gender inclusive language in English

use gender-neutral words, like “humankind” instead of “mankind”, “partner” instead of “wife/husband”, “firefighter” instead of “fireman”, etc. use gender-neutral pronouns, like they/them (singular they), instead of the binary masculine/feminine pronouns.

Given the key role of language in shaping cultural and social attitudes, using gender-inclusive language is a powerful way to promote gender equality and eradicate gender bias.

UN Women focuses on four main areas: promoting women's leadership and political participation, empowering women economically, ending violence against women, and supporting women's full and equal participation in peace processes and security efforts.

Another example of gendered language is the way the titles “Mr.,” “Miss,” and “Mrs.” are used. “Mr.” can refer to any man, regardless of whether he is single or married, but “Miss” and “Mrs.” define women by whether they are married, which until quite recently meant defining them by their relationships with men.

Personal pronouns, a consciously chosen set of words that allow a person to represent their gender identity accurately,are a great example of inclusive language. Pronouns include both gendered pronouns like “He” and “She” as well as gender-neutral pronouns like “They” and “Ze.”

Pronouns: Using gender-neutral pronouns like they/them/their or using an individual's preferred pronouns (such as xe/xem/xyr or ze/hir/hirs) instead of using gendered pronouns like he/him/his or she/her/hers. Titles and honorifics: Referring to someone with gender-neutral titles such as Mx.

Use "unmarried woman" instead of "bachelor girl," "spinster" or "old maid." Use "ethnic women" instead of "minority women." The latter marginalizes them twice over. Instead of "house husbands" or "housewives," use "homemakers." Use the gender-neutral alternative "administrative assistant" in place of "girl Friday."

Example 2: Equal Pay for Equal Work

Gender equality in the workforce means being paid the same salary for equal work, regardless of gender. It also means that if a woman takes time off from work to take maternity leave, for example, she will not be punished when she returns to work.

What is gender-inclusive mean? ›

Gender equality is a state in which people have access to rights or opportunities regardless of gender. Gender-inclusive language is speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes.

Instituting gender-neutral bathrooms or encouraging trans employees to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity is one important way to signal to those employees that they are valued.

Working for the empowerment and rights of women and girls globally, UN Women's main roles are: To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms.

Making progress toward achieving gender parity

" The System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity sets targets and monitors the following areas: leadership and accountability; senior management; recruitment and retention; creating an enabling environment; and Mission settings.

UNICEF's Gender Action Plan specifies how each of our global Strategic Plan (2022-2025) goal areas will advance gender equality, from before birth through adolescence. This includes plans and targets related to: Maternal health and nutrition, including HIV testing, prevention, counselling and care.

Male: competitive, aggressive, challenge, decisive, courage/courageous, dominate, champion, driven, fearless. Female: collaborative/collaborate, dependable, honest, loyal, interpersonal, enthusiastic/enthusiasm, committed, connect/connected, patient.

Instead of "feminine/female pronouns" or "masculine/male pronouns," please use "she/her pronouns" or "he/him pronouns." Instead of "preferred gender pronouns," please use "personal pronouns." Instead of "transvestite," please use "cross dresser." Instead of "hermaphrodite," please use "intersex."

Inclusive language: 'We must all think about this...' and 'this concerns all of us' are examples of inclusive language. By using 'us' and 'we' we are encouraged to think about how we are part of an issue. This can make us more likely to agree with what is being argued.