Allyship Case Study 2

Language matters. 

Why do people feel uncomfortable about using the word ‘woman’? I have noticed a tendency to refer to women as ‘girls’, which makes them seem juvenile or less than. ‘Girl’ is a term for a child. I always try to correct that language. We should be celebrating the women around us and the great work they do. 

Women do sometimes refer to themselves as ‘girls’ which is more matey or pally, like ‘the lads’. Women use the term ‘girls’ to self-declare in a group context. I always try to call them ‘women’. 

I’ve heard a team of young women being referred to as ‘girls’ and it made them and their work seem frivolous; I made sure to address that. I try to actively work against this type of language. It’s all subconscious - if it were a team of men, would they speak differently? 

‘Woman’ is often used negatively, for example ‘that stupid woman’. I think that makes it even more important for us to make a point of using it.  

I urge you to question the language that you’re using and if that changes your perception of the people you’re talking to or about. Language can develop mindsets that then change the way you treat people. 

I would encourage you to speak up. If you’re scared of outright calling out bad language, there are other ways to stand up. When someone says something, you can reflect back by correcting the language in your response. 

Try to work against stereotypes to show that there is variety and not everyone is what you think they are. 

Think about how representative you are and how much you challenge stereotypes. People feel awkward about these sort of things, but representation has to be a factor. 

Try and be curious about different people. Ask women what they want or think.