Gender Mainstreaming Guidance: Guidelines for the Use of Language as a Driver of Equality and Inclusivity

This Guidance provides a practical and accessible overview of how language and communication shape gender norms, influence attitudes, and contribute to equality or discrimination in society. Developed within the EU-funded Gender Equality Facility and implemented by UN Women, the Guidance explains why gender-sensitive and inclusive language is essential for achieving gender equality and meeting EU accession requirements. It highlights how specific linguistic choices—across natural-gender and grammatical-gender languages—can either perpetuate stereotypes or promote fairness, visibility, and respect for women, men, girls, and boys in all their diversity.

The publication offers concrete tools and strategies for avoiding discriminatory or sexist expressions, neutralizing gender bias, and making gender visible when relevant. It includes practical examples, recommended wording, and guidance on replacing gender-stereotypical terms with inclusive alternatives. The Guidance also addresses how to apply inclusive language in multilingual environments, particularly within the EU integration process and in translation from English into Albanian and Serbian.

Beyond written communication, the Guidance presents principles for gender-responsive audiovisual materials and interpersonal communication. It emphasizes accurate representation, avoidance of stereotypes, equal visibility of women and men, and respectful dialogue.

By combining EU Recommendations, Council of Europe standards, UN guidance, and examples from media and public institutions, this publication supports policymakers, communication professionals, media practitioners, translators, journalists, and institutional staff to integrate gender equality principles in communication. It serves as a reference document and training tool that strengthens awareness, enhances inclusivity, and contributes to transforming harmful norms through language.