How to Neutralize Gender Bias in Your Writing
By: Lucy King
Tags: Diversity, Language, Gender Equality, Women, Writing

Gender equality is a fundamental human right. In spite of this, women and girls suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world. Unconscious bias forms an invisible barrier to equal opportunity. It affects those we care for most in life, our families, friends and colleagues.

As a writer, you have a choice to either enforce or neutralize gender bias through your work.

What is gender-neutral language and why is it important?

Language shapes our cultural and societal attitudes. Until the 1970s, the use of masculine pronouns in place of generic was the custom. Women’s movements were successful in challenging this sexist norm.

“A gender line… keeps women not on a pedestal, but in a cage .” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Today, many governments and schools use language that places women and men at the same level. This helps to reduce stigma and ensure that vulnerable people are not left behind.

Adopting a gender-sensitive lexicon is far easier than you may expect. Being mindful is the first step. If done right, gender-neutral text does not affect readability. It generally reads well, if not better, than antiquated or outmoded gendered text.

How does gender-neutral language work?

There are several ways to promote gender equality though language in a text. It’s as easy as 1, 2 & 3 below.

1) Use gender-neutral expressions

Avoid gender-specific nouns when making generic references to both men and women. For example, the words policeman and stewardess are gender-specific. The corresponding gender-neutral terms are police officer and flight attendant.

Here are a few more examples.

Replace men and mankind, with people , humanity , human beings , humankind , we , women and men etc

, , , , , etc Replace man-made disaster with human induced disaster .

. Replace congressman with legislator , congressional representative , or parliamentarian etc.

, , or etc. Replace chairman with chair , chairperson or head .

, or . Replace landlord, landlady with owner and so on.

2) Use inclusive language

The use of the generic masculine form to refer to both genders creates a gender bias.

Avoid > A good student knows that he should strive for excellence.

Prefer > A good student strives for excellence.

3) Use both feminine and masculine forms of words

Each professor should send his or her assistant to the conference.

Whoever she is. Wherever he lives. Every child deserves a childhood.

Note: A gender-neutral alternative to he or she is the singular they.

Bonus tips

Use the active voice to show empowerment of women. Avoid expressions that have a negative connotation.

Avoid > Carol had lunch with the girls at the office

Prefer > Carol had lunch with some colleagues at the office

Avoid stereotyping roles.

Avoid > The Conference participants and their wives are invited.

Prefer > The Conference participants and their spouses/partners/guests are invited.

Be the change!

Gender-neutral language is now the norm for progressive writers, journalists and thought-leaders. By rewiring our linguistic patterns we can create a more even playing field for all. So, if you would like to make a difference, please mind your language!

For comprehensive guidelines on gender-sensitive expression, see the UN Women gender-sensitive lexicon.