Gender-Inclusive Language

Gender bias-free language or gender-inclusive language, means communicating in a way that doesn't discriminate against any gender or perpetuate stereotypes.

The goal is to make everyone feel included and respected through the words we choose, it’s about fairness and accuracy. Language influences how we think about the world around us, so choosing words thoughtfully can help challenge old biases. This approach benefits not just women or non-binary individuals, but society as a whole, by promoting clearer and more equitable communication.

From the Classroom to the Workplace: Why It Matters

Inclusive language isn’t just an abstract ideal, it has real-world importance in places like schools and workplaces.

In education, the language teachers use can profoundly affect students’ sense of belonging. Imagine a classroom where word problems always say “When he goes to the store…” or history lessons talk about “great men of science.” This sends a subtle message about who is expected to take part in these activities. By contrast, when educators make a conscious effort to use bias-free language, all students get to see themselves reflected in lessons and discussions. For example, teachers are encouraged to use “police officer” rather than “policeman” when giving examples, and to default to “they” for a hypothetical person instead of “he”. Such simple shifts can widen a child’s imagination about what they can be. Schools and universities that embrace gender-inclusive language create environments where no student feels invisible or stereotyped because of their gender.

In the workplace, adopting bias-free language is equally crucial. Companies increasingly recognize that the words used in job postings, performance reviews, and everyday office chatter can impact who feels welcome and valued. In fact, using gender-inclusive language “proactively and consistently is imperative for furthering gender equality in the workplace and creating an inclusive working environment for all”. When employees hear inclusive terms (like “team members” instead of “the guys in the field”), it signals that everyone, regardless of gender, is respected as part of the team. There’s also a practical benefit: companies have found that job listings riddled with masculine-coded words like “competitive” or “dominant” tend to discourage women from applying. By simply wording job descriptions and internal communications in a more neutral, inclusive way, organizations attract a broader talent pool and make better first impressions on new hires.

Moreover, inclusive language at work helps avoid misunderstandings or offense that can erode team cohesion. For example, addressing a mixed group as “guys” might seem harmless to some, but it can make others feel less acknowledged. Small changes in phrasing can cumulatively create a culture where everyone: women, men, and non-binary colleagues, feels they belong. In short, whether it’s in a classroom or a conference room, words set the tone. Choosing inclusive language builds a foundation of respect that allows people to focus on learning or working, rather than on feeling implicitly excluded.

5 Practical Tips for Gender-Inclusive Language

Making your language more gender-inclusive doesn’t require mastering a whole new vocabulary, it’s often about small mindful tweaks. Here are some practical principles and examples:

1. Avoid Gendered Language Defaults: Don’t use masculine or binary terms when a neutral word works. For instance, using “he” as a default for an unknown person, or saying “he or she” for a hypothetical individual, assumes gender in a way that can exclude people. Instead, use the singular “they” when gender isn’t known or relevant. “They” is a gender-neutral pronoun that includes everyone, and it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted (even Shakespeare used it!). For example: “Every student should hand in their assignment on time.” or swap out words like “mankind” for “humankind”.

2. Choose Gender-Neutral Greetings and Group Terms: How we address a group can either make everyone feel included or inadvertently single some out. Phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” or “you guys” are common, meant to be friendly – but they are gendered (and “you guys” in particular defaults to male). Instead, try warm, inclusive greetings such as “Hello everyone,” “Hi folks,” or even “friends” or “team”.

3. Respect Personal Pronouns – Ask, Don’t Assume: One of the most important ways to respect someone’s gender identity is to use the pronouns they go by (e.g. she/her, he/him, they/them, ze/zir, etc.). If you’re meeting someone new or writing about someone and you’re not sure of their pronouns, it’s okay to politely ask. For example, “Jordan said I should call them if I need help – they offered their number.” Here we use “they/them” for Jordan until we know Jordan’s specific pronouns. In general, using singular they (or just the person’s name) as a default is a respectful way to refer to someone if you haven’t yet learned their pronoun.

4. Use Gender-Inclusive Family and Relationship Terms: Try to use words that don’t assume a gender. For example, instead of assuming someone’s partner is a certain gender (using wife/husband or boyfriend/girlfriend), you can say “partner” or “spouse” until the person specifies. Similarly, terms like “parent” or “caregiver” can often replace “mother” or “father” when the gender of the person isn’t known or when talking in general.

5. Avoid Stereotypes and Gendered Assumptions: Pay attention to idioms, jokes, or remarks that reinforce gender stereotypes: these can be hurtful or exclusionary even if the intent is harmless. For example, asking a gay couple “Who’s the man and who’s the woman in your relationship?” is based on heteronormative assumptions that don’t apply. Other phrases to rethink: saying “man up” to encourage toughness (implying that being masculine equals being strong), or “you throw like a girl” as an insult; these perpetuate ideas that one gender is superior to another.

Bringing It All Together

Embracing gender bias-free and inclusive language is an ongoing journey, but it’s one that contributes to a kinder and more understanding world. By making thoughtful changes in how we speak, we affirm each person’s identity and worth. Whether you’re greeting a new colleague, writing an email, these principles apply. Small changes, create big ripples of positivity in our interactions.

Importantly, don’t be afraid of “getting it wrong.” Everyone slips up now and then. What matters is that we show a genuine willingness to respect others and learn from mistakes. By staying curious and open-minded, we can keep improving how we communicate.

In the end, using inclusive language is about extending the basic kindness of letting people know: I see you, I respect you, and you belong. When our words reflect that spirit, we make our conversations and the spaces we share safer and more welcoming for all.