UNITED NATIONS Gender-inclusive language (2024)

FAQs

What are some examples of gender-inclusive language? ›

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."

Because there are many different gender identities, avoid using binary language that indicates there are only two. Use all genders instead of both genders, opposite sex, or either sex. If referring only to sex, use female, male, or intersex.

UN Charter

More specifically, the Charter of the United Nations (Articles 8 and 101) stipulates that there shall be no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in every capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

Avoid gender-specific nouns when making generic references

Writers should avoid expressions that use the masculine form when making generic references to both men and women, i.e. using congressmen when referring to both female and male legislators. Whenever possible, use a gender-neutral alternative.

In addition, the use in many languages of the word 'man' in a wide range of idiomatic expressions which refer to both men and women, such as manpower, layman, man-made, statesmen, committee of wise men, should be discouraged.

Background and purpose

Using gender-inclusive language means 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.

Women, peace and security resolutions

Resolution 1325 (2000) [S/RES/1325 (2000)] – Affirms the importance of the participation of women and the inclusion of gender perspectives in peace negotiations, humanitarian planning, peacekeeping operations, and post-conflict peacebuilding and governance.

What is gender equality United Nations goals? ›

This goal ensures that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030. It also aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.

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.”

Thus, refrain from using the term “minority.” Instead, use the specific name of the group or groups to which you refer, or use broader terms such as “people of color” or “communities of color” as opposed to “ethnic and racial minorities” (APA, 2020b, 2022a), or you may describe the population as being “minoritized.” ...

Portray both women and men in non-stereotypical ways, such as women in science, women wearing uniform, men taking care of children and men doing housework.

In English, this would include using gender-specific terms referring to professions or people, such as 'businessman' or 'waitress', or using the masculine pronouns (he, him, his) to refer to people in general, such as 'a doctor should know how to communicate with his patients'.

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.”

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