European Union Releases ‘Toolkit on Gender-Sensitive Communication’

The European Institute for Gender Equality, a group within the European Union (EU), has released a document describing “inclusive” communication.

“This toolkit provides guidelines for the use of gender-sensitive language in writing,” the document reads. “Although it provides tips and examples for the English language, the underlying principles for gender-sensitive writing are universal and remain relevant when using other languages.”

In discussing how to avoid stereotypes within inanimate objects, the report says, “Assigning a gender to an inanimate object by using gendered pronouns to discuss it applies cultural connotations to characteristics. These connotations are related to gender stereotypes and help to perpetuate them.”

For example, instead of saying, “The ship slipped her moorings,” the document suggests saying, “The ship slipped its moorings.”

The document also encourages people to refrain from “derogatory” adjectives often associated with women.

Instead of saying an individual is “shrill,” the report suggests describing one’s voice as “high-pitched” or “grating.”

The document also calls for people to use the latest version of emojis to use the most gender-inclusive and sensitive choices available.

Rather than using the traditional pronouns of “he” and “she,” the report includes a section of “gender-neutral pronouns,” such as, “ze,” “hir,” “hirs,” and “hirself.”

Discussing “subordination” and “trivialisation,” the gender equality group writes, “You should be aware of the word order of your phrases and make sure that you are not always putting the male version first.”

In reviewing the material of the document, the authors include a list of “gendered nouns” and their alternatives.

For instance, instead of saying, “man,” the document recommends saying, “person, individual,” and “human being.” Rather than using the term “manpower,” one should say, “workforce” or “human power.”

Instead of using the term “brotherhood,” one should use the term, “kinship” or “community.”