The EIGE identifies three types of language within the “inclusivity scale”:

1. Sexist / gender-discriminatory / gender-biased language to be avoided
2. Gender-neutral / gender-blind language to be considered carefully
3. Gender-sensitive language to be favoured as it promotes gender equality through language

Gender-neutral language can be more inclusive for those who do not identify within a binary gender system. However, it may maintain the status quo and fail to transform unequal gender relations.

How to decide whether to include gender explicitly:

• Will mentioning gender shed light on key aspects of the issue? If yes, use gender-sensitive language.
• Are you referring to people in general or a specific group? For people in general, gender-neutral language may be acceptable.
• Are you aiming to include non-binary genders? If so, use gender-neutral language (e.g., “they”, “them”).

Key principles for inclusive language:

• Recognise and challenge stereotypes
• Be inclusive and avoid omission
• Be respectful and avoid trivialization and subordination

MAIN CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Information about gender and gendered nouns (“female lawyer”)

• Do not provide irrelevant gender information
• Avoid using gendered nouns. Use gender-neutral descriptions (e.g., police officer)
• Simply use the occupation title with no gender description

Stereotypical content

• Ensure images do not reinforce gender stereotypes
• Include a diverse mix of people in various environments
• When creating voice-overs consider the gender and the type of information they deliver. Always aim for a mix of genders
• Ensure examples show a mix of genders in different roles
• Avoid gender stereotypes in descriptions
• When describing a characteristic, ask if you would use the same term for the opposite gender. If not, find a gender-neutral term

Invisibility or omission of women

• Do not use ‘man’ or ‘he’ to refer to everyone
• Make clear references to men and women by naming each

Subordination and trivialization

• Promote gender equality by not trivializing or subordinating women. Trivialization is language that makes something seem unimportant. Often, things related to women are trivialized through language that makes them sound ‘small’ or ‘cute’
• Use "Ms" to avoid denoting marital status
• Use the same naming conventions for men and women
• Be mindful of word order and avoid always putting the male version first
• Avoid patronizing terms for women