Gender-Fair Language Overview

Gender-Fair Language (GFL)

• GFL was introduced to reduce stereotyping and discrimination in language.
• Language is a system of symbols with arbitrary meaning specific to a society.
• Language significantly influences human behaviour and thought.
• Human language is unique because it is learned, unlike other animal and plant communication systems.
• Human language is highly flexible; meanings can change, and new words can be created.

Legal Basis of Gender-Fair Language

• Section 14, Article II of the 1987 Constitution recognizes the role of women in nation-building and upholds fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
• The President's Social Contract with the Filipino People, through Executive Order No. 43 of 2011, prioritizes gender equality and commits to transforming government policies that remedy gender disparities, ultimately promoting equal opportunity.
• The Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 12 (2005) promoting the use of non-sexist language in official communications.
• Republic Act 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women, reinforces the use of gender-sensitive language.
• The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2014-06, focusing on the use of gender-sensitive language in legislative measures.

Guidelines for Gender-Fair Language

• Use singular "they" as a gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun. Note : This pronoun is considered to be appropriate for individuals whose gender identity does not align with either male or female. This pronoun is now considered widely accepted as inclusional of all genders.
• Eliminate the generic use of "he," "his," or "him" unless the antecedent is obviously male.
• Employ plural nouns whenever possible to avoid using gendered pronouns.
• Reword sentences to eliminate "he," "his," and "him", when necessary.
• Use active voice for clarity and eliminate the passive voice to avoid implied or assumed gender.
• Eliminate sexism in symbolic representations of gender.
• Revise terms that represent occupational roles, avoiding stereotypical biases based on gender.
• Revise role references, avoiding stereotypes associated with gender.
• Revise and amend group references, to avoid assumptions and biases based on gender..
• Revise and amend language that perpetuates stereotypes associated with gender
• Employ gender-neutral terms in addressing people formally, replacing certain terms such as 'Mrs.' with 'Ms.'' or 'Mx' for inclusiveness.

Examples of Gender-Sensitive Language

• Provide examples of biased language and their gender-fair alternatives for occupations, roles, and group references.
• Examples provided include biased and bias-free terms for various contexts.

Sample Titles for Individuals

• Present examples of a variety of gender neutral titles that can be used to address individuals.
• Include terms and abbreviations like Ind, Mx, Misc, Mre, Msr, Myr, Pr, Sai, Ser.

Pronoun Usage

• Provide a chart showing singular they pronouns for individuals.