Words matter
A father and his son are involved in a serious car accident. The father dies on the spot, and the son is rushed to the hospital. The surgeon enters the operating room, looks at the boy, and says, “I can’t operate on him. He’s my son.”
Many people, when reading this story, wonder how that could be possible. And yet, the answer is simple: the surgeon is the boy’s mother.
If that wasn’t the first answer that came to mind, it’s because our brains, and the language we use every day, automatically associate certain professions with men. It’s a matter of habit, not necessarily intention. But habits, including linguistic ones, shape the way we see the world and the people around us.
Think, for example, about job advertisements: “Looking for a skilled worker,” “Workshop manager,” “Maintenance technician.” Almost without realizing it, we picture a man. If instead the language explicitly includes women, the image shifts. This isn’t just a stylistic choice, it’s about opportunity, about who feels seen and encouraged to apply.
For a long time, titles like “the director,” “the engineer,” or “the department head” have described a world that is mostly male. And when a role is always named in masculine terms, it becomes harder to picture a woman in that position, even when she’s there and fully deserves it.
Using words that represent everyone means changing perspective and making visible what often remains invisible. This isn’t about grammar; it’s about reality.
And talking about equality doesn’t mean “pushing men aside.” It means recognizing that, with the same skills, commitment, and passion, everyone should have the same opportunities to grow and contribute. This issue concerns everyone, not just women. It concerns anyone who works and has felt, at times, the frustration of not being fully recognized or valued.
Because respect also starts with words. With how we name ourselves and how we address others.
We see this in everyday life too. When, in a meeting, we say “the technicians,” even though there’s a female colleague in the room. When we talk about “the boss” and never imagine she could be a woman. Or when, without meaning to, we use words or jokes that exclude someone. It doesn’t take malice, habit is enough. But habits can be changed.
Using inclusive language doesn’t take anything away from anyone. It simply creates more possibilities for everyone.
And change starts close to home. It means telling a daughter, a sister, or a niece that one day she could be the surgeon. And that there’s nothing strange about it—it’s simply normal. Just as normal as it is for her male peers. |
|
What can we do?
Even small daily choices can make a difference. Making language more inclusive does not require big changes, but a few simple everyday attentions.
- For example, instead of saying “the technicians” when there are also female colleagues, we can say “the technical staff” or “those who work in maintenance.”
- In job ads or communications, we can alternate male and female versions of roles, such as “male or female workshop manager,” or “male or female engineer.”
- When we are not sure how someone prefers to be addressed, we can simply ask. Small gestures like these help everyone feel seen, recognized, and respected.
|
|
|
To explore further: inclusive language - some helpful resources
For those who would like to better understand what inclusive language is and how to apply it in everyday life, here are a few suggestions for content to read, listen to, or watch: |
|
To read
An article written by sociolinguist Vera Gheno for Valigia Blu that explains the issue of using feminine forms of professional titles in Italian:
The issue of feminine forms of professional titles once and for all |
|
|
To listen
An episode of the Rai Radio 3 program “La lingua batte” that discusses inclusive and gendered language:
Why the language of inclusion divides |
|
To watch
A TEDx talk by Alexa Pantanella explaining how the language we often use automatically carries stereotypes and prejudices:
Speaking the language of inclusion |
|
A commitment that concerns everyone
The commitment to using language that includes all people — not just certain groups — is not only about those working in the company today, but also about those who will come after us: daughters, sisters, nieces. Giving them the possibility to imagine themselves in any role means opening the door to a future that is more equal, respectful, and welcoming.
|
|
|
|
|
|
