Gender equality in business: it's not just words

Language is a key asset in the UNI/PdR 125:2022 Reference Practice, which establishes guidelines on the gender equality management system

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TÜV Italy parity

Gender equality returns to the front pages every year on March 8, Women's Day, but the issue requires constant interest, which must also come through language. It is precisely the latter that represents a key asset in the UNI/PdR Reference Practice 125:2022, which establishes guidelines on the gender equality management system and provides for the implementation of specific KPIs related to Gender Equality Policies in all organizations.

"Women's Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the inequalities still present in society and to promote gender equality. This holiday reminds us that despite the progress made in recent decades, women continue to struggle to obtain the same rights and opportunities as men in all areas of life," says Sabrina Zapperi, Head of Marketing and Communications at TÜV Italy, one of the entities qualified to provide the voluntary certification obtainable according to the UNI/PdR 125:2022 standard, and Italian Ambassador of the Women@TÜVSÜD Group.

Words matter

Language is of great importance in shaping society and defining gender identity and can help break down stereotypes, holding not only semantic importance, but also and above all historical, social and cultural importance. Language conditions thinking and is in fact a fundamental means of conveying messages, ideas, and values. Precisely because of this, however, it also conveys and reinforces prejudices and old legacies that can influence our behavior and social relations. Language, in fact, plays a fundamental role in the creation and dissemination of gender stereotypes, but it can also be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and diversity. Using language that is inclusive and respectful of gender diversity can therefore help create an environment that is more inclusive and respectful of individual differences.

The terms and expressions we use in everyday communication can affect our perception of ourselves and others, as well as our perception of society in general. For example, the use of expressions such as "man's job" or "woman's job" can affect people's idea of gender roles and abilities based on their sex.

The expression "linguistic sexism" originated in the United States between the 1960s and 1970s, when it was recognized that there was a strong discrimination in the way women were portrayed even linguistically compared to men. In 1987 the discussion was also addressed in Italy thanks to a groundbreaking paper, "Il sessismo nella lingua italiana" by Alma Sabatini, published by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, which aimed to establish equality between the sexes through the recognition of gender differences (understood as gender in the Anglo-Saxon sense).

Using inclusive language - speaking, for example, of personal rights instead of human rights - therefore helps to create a more equitable way of representing reality, thereby coming to positively affect it. The words we choose to use condition for better or worse our ability to create relationships. Inclusive language is based on empathy and exchange and has a very positive impact on people's emotional sphere, including in the work environment.

But what does inclusive language look like in practice? Definitely respectful but also precise and accurate. This is not a minor issue as it contributes significantly to creating a more serene and open culture and environment in which people can feel more comfortable.

"Words allow for inclusion and exclusion, and raising awareness toward language that encourages sharing therefore represents an opportunity for growth for everyone, not just companies," Zapperi concludes. "So let's pay attention to the words we use both in the office and elsewhere: for example, we don't call a man with a doctor's degree and a woman with the same title ma'am, or we don't call a woman by her first name and a man by his last name. Because actions count. But words also count, all of them, including our own!"


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