Getting the Words Right: A Gender Sensitive Language Guide for the Sri Lanka Media

"As journalists, we need to understand the connection between our language use and our social reality. Because it is also sensible and professional to do so. If we use language that seeks to 'negate' or 'erase' women from language, it invariably perpetuates gender inequalities"

This booklet from Internews shares some ideas and available best practices for gender-sensitive journalism. It makes no attempt to abolish words or alter established texts but, rather, seeks to promote equality in the use of language by proposing proactive consideration of professional alternatives to foster creative and persuasive use of language equity in a fair and inclusive manner.

The author is Regional Gender Co-ordinator, International Federation of Journalists (Asia Pacific) and Co-Convener, South Asian Women in Media - Sri Lanka, yet the contents of the booklet seem to be applicable to journalists worldwide. Among other concrete guidance included in the booklet are the following Quick Tips:

1. "Use neutral terms that favour neither sex and more accurately reflect the purpose of a gathering or a meeting. For example, rather than 'ladies and gentlemen' use 'colleagues or delegates.'
2. Avoid using feminine suffixes that reinforce the notion that generic nouns are male, while female nouns are different. For example, use manager, pilot, executor, for both women and men.
3. Avoid words or phrases that make assumptions about gender. For example, an invitation to an event that invites both 'conference delegates and their wives.'
4. Avoid words and phrases that make assumptions about how women think or look or how men and women behave.
5. When referring to men and women, make sure they're addressed in similar style. For example, instead of saying 'Mr. Ranasinghe and Seetha Perera,' refer to them as 'Sarath Ranasinghe and Seetha Perera' (using both of their first names) or 'Mr. Ranasinghe and Ms. Perera' (using titles rather than names).
6. Describe a woman as her own person, and not in relationship to someone else. Instead of saying 'Seetha Perera who is married to Sarath Ranasinghe,' say 'Seetha Perera, a journalist.'
7. Use parallel language to refer to men and women. Avoid using 'men and ladies' or 'men and girls.' Instead, say 'men and women' or 'ladies and gentlemen.'
8. Avoid patronising terms. Don’t use terms like 'better half' when referring to someone's spouse or wife.
9. Use the word feminist instead of 'women's libber.'
10. Use terms that can include both sexes such as chair, chairperson instead of chairman.
11. Use plural forms or neutral words to avoid assumptions about a person's sex. For example, use 'doctors bill their patients' instead of 'a doctor bills his patients.'
12. Replace gender-specific words with gender-neutral words. (Please note that some people still feel more comfortable with traditional titles. So, if a woman prefers to be called chairman, rather than chairperson, use the preferred term.)"

It is further noted that journalists need to carefully select sources and stories to achieve balanced representation of women and men in the media, reflecting their composition and perspectives, in making a story that contains diverse perspectives and voices - as society itself is. To get there, the author argues, journalists need to be open with the use of language, avoid sexist references, creatively replace outdated words with alternative words, break stereotypes, and replace ambiguity with clarity. This booklet is meant to support that quest.