I.

Unit of Competency

Receive and respond to workplace

communication
Participating in workplace communications
Using Gender-fair Language in the Workplace

II.
III.

Module Title
Activity Title

:
:

IV.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this activity, the trainees will be able to:
1. Identify and highlight gender biases in various settings; and
2. Understand and apply gender fair language in workplace meeting and
discussion.

V.

Methodology:
Interactive Lecture
Group activity

VI.

Materials: Whiteboard, board markers, masking tape, metacards, manila

paper, copies of homework, prizes for the winner

VII.

Timeframe: 1.5 hours

VIII.

Processing the Learning Activity

A. Analysis
What to Do (Activity)

Flash the first slide of the PowerPoint

presentation

What to Say (Narrative)

(Introduction)
In the module, Participating in workplace
communications, one of the learning outcomes
is to perform workplace duties following written
notices document using non-sexist language. To
achieve this, you have to know that the use of
sexist language discriminates both men and
women. Communication and language greatly
influence the quality of relationship at both home
and the workplace. On the other hand, language
is influence by culture, gender perspective, past
experiences, family and societal traditions
among others. Let me discuss with you the kinds
of sexist language, how to avoid it and applying
gender-fair language.
At the end of this activity, the trainees will be
able to:
1. Identify and highlight gender biases in
various settings; and

2. Understand and apply gender fair language

in workplace meeting and discussion.
Give lecture-discussion on Sexist Language.
Refer to attached powerpoint about Sexist
Language.
After the lecture-discussion, do the activity
using Gender-fair Language in the Workplace
Ask the trainees to form into 3 groups.
Each group shall be given a manila paper with Guide questions for processing after the
10 different sexist words written on it. 10 activity:
different sexist words commonly used. Each
group shall identify the alternative gender-fair 1.
How did you find the activity? Was it
language to each sexist word by writing on difficult for you to think of alternative words to
the metacards to be provided. They shall make it gender-fair?
complete the task within 1 min. The group 2.
Is the use of sexist language still common
with the highest correct answers is the winner today? At school? At home? at work? By
(prepare prizes for the winner).
media?
Sexist words to be written in the manila paper:
Group 1
Sexist Language Alternative
Anchorman
Brotherhood of
man
Businessman
Cameraman
Craftsman
Draftsman
Delivery man
Early man
Forefather
Fireman
Group 2
Sexist
Fisherman
Female lawyer
Foreman
Girl athlete
Gentlemans
agreement
Heroic women

Alternative

Linemen
Layman
Lady Doctor
Lumberman
Group 3
Sexist
Male secretary
Manmade
Manning
Man in the street
Miss, Mrs.
One man show
salesman
Spokesman
Watchmen
Workmanship

Alternative

To synthesize the various inputs from the

participants, use the abstraction/synthesis
questions shown below.
After the participative analysis, you can now
draw a general conclusion by referring to the
key learning points presented below. You may
want to highlight the substantive realizations
of the participants.
In order to deepen the realization and learning
of the trainees, give out Application activity
shown below.
B. Abstraction/Synthesis
1.
2.
3.
4.

What did we learn from the activity?

What did you appreciate from the activity/exercise?
What is the common theme that can be drawn from the activity?
What are some of your personal insights from the activity?

Note: The facilitator will have to make a note of all the critical responses,
inputs and insights of the participants/trainees which he/she can use in
presenting the learning key points.

C. Key Learning Points (Summary)

Stereotyping is assuming that certain traits, ways of behaving, interacting

with others, working, etc., are 'naturally' associated with each sex. It is
seen as inappropriate for one sex to act in a manner associated with the
other sex. Our language reflects our notions of appropriate behavior for
each sex. However, if we are to represent accurately the reality and
diversity of people's lives we need to move away from narrow and limiting
behavior models for people.

Sexism is discrimination on the basis of gender. While it is primarily

women who are affected by sexism, it can be used to discriminate against
either men or women

Sexist language is language that unnecessarily identifies gender.

Although it may often seem that avoiding sexist language can lead one
into using awkward or grating constructions, it is also possible to use
gender-neutral language gracefully and unobtrusively.

Note: This application activity can be perform as an additional activity if

there is still sufficient time and process the responses of the trainees.
D. Application:
Ask the participants/trainees to accomplish the Worksheet below. This can
be given as a homework for submission the following day if there is limited
time

WORKSHEET
Name: ________________________________
ACTION CHECKLIST ON SEXISM
Direction. Put a check mark on the box if you agree or disagree with the
statement.
No.

Statements

Agree

Look out for ways you unintentionally threaten women/men.

Approach a man, not a woman, for directions at night or in lonely places.

Dont comment, stare or whistle at a womans looks or dress; its sexual

harassment.
Share domestic tasks equally. Housework and childcare should not be

only womens work.

If you have a woman partner, you should both have equal access to

6
7
8
9
10

income.
Express your emotions and acknowledge your feelings
Confront sexism in other men; do not rely on women to do this for you.
Challenge sexism at work, school, family, community, etc.
Dont limit children; both boys and girls can enjoy football and sewing
What you call normality is based on male power and should be

Disagree

questioned

Trainees Handout

INFORMATION SHEET

SEXIST LANGUAGE
INTRODUCTION
Stereotyping is assuming that certain traits, ways of behaving, interacting with
others, working, etc., are 'naturally' associated with each sex. It is seen as
inappropriate for one sex to act in a manner associated with the other sex. Our
language reflects our notions of appropriate behavior for each sex. However,
if we are to represent accurately the reality and diversity of people's lives we
need to move away from narrow and limiting behavior models for people.
Sexism is discrimination on the basis of gender. While it is primarily
women who are affected by sexism, it can be used to
discriminate against either men or women
Some sexist language and its alternative.
Current Usage
Anchorman
Brotherhood of man
Businessman
Cameraman
Chairman
Craftsmen
Draftsmen
Delivery man
Early man
Forefather
Firemen
Fisherman/fishermen
Female lawyer
Foremen
Girl athlete
Gentlemans agreement
Heroic women
Linemen
Layman
Lady doctor
Lumberman
Male secretary
Manmade

Alternative
Anchor, Anchorperson
The Family Of Humanity, The Unity Of People
Business Executive, Manager, Business Owner,
Retailer, Entrepreneur
Camera Operators, Cinematographers,
Photographers
Chairperson, Chair, Facilitator, Convenor, CoCoordinator
Artisans, Craft Artists, Craft Persons
Drafters
Deliverer, Delivery Clerk, Courier
Early People, Early Men And Women, Early
Human Beings
Ancestor
Fire Fighters
Fisher, Fishing People, Fishing folks
Lawyer
Supervisors
Athlete
Unwritten Agreement, Agreement Based On
Trust
Heroes
Line Installer
Layperson, Non Specialist, Non Professional
Doctor
Lumber Cutters
Secretary
Synthetic, Artificial

Masterful
Man, Mankind
Man in the street
Manning
Miss, Mrs.
One man show
Old masters
Pressmen
Repairmen
Salesman
Spokesman
Sportsmen
Statesmen
Sportsmanship
Statesmanship
To a man
The girls in the office
Watchmen
Workmanship
Woman writer

Domineering, Very Skillful

Human Being/S, Human Person, Individual,
Humanity, People, Human Race, Society, Men
And Women
Average Person, Ordinary Person
Staffing, Working
Ms
One Person Show, Solo exhibit
Classic Art, Artists
Press Operators
Repairers
Salesperson. Sales Representative, Sales Agent
Spokesperson, Representative
Sports Enthusiasts
Diplomats, Political Leaders
Fair Play
Diplomacy
Everyone, Unanimously, Without Exception
The Secretaries, Office Assistants, Typists
Guards
Quality Of Work
Writer

AVOIDING SEXIST LANGUAGE

Sexist language is language that unnecessarily identifies gender. It can take
several forms:
1. a pronoun that denotes a single sex when the information being conveyed
pertains equally to either or both sexes
Ex. Every student should have his notebook
with him in class.
(appropriate at an all-male school)
2. a job title that links the job to a single sex when
either sex can perform the job
Ex. Fireman, mailman, policeman
3. a single sex pronoun in conjunction with a
neutral job title, so that the implication is that
the job belongs to a single sex
Ex. The nurse awoke her patient at five a.m.
4. any other use of language that unnecessarily and arbitrarily makes gender
distinctions

Ex. Early man used a system of gestures to communicate

To Avoid Sexist Language

Although it may often seem that avoiding sexist language can lead one
into using awkward or grating constructions, it is also possible to use genderneutral language gracefully and unobtrusively.
For example:
Pronouns:
When using pronouns, you have several choices. Pick the one that seems most
natural in context:
a. Change singular nouns to plurals and use a gender neutral pronoun, or try to
avoid the pronoun entirely:
Instead of: Each student must have his notebook with him in class.
Use:
All students must have notebooks with them in class.
Instead of: A Senator who cannot finish his term of office
Use:
A Senator who cannot finish the term of office..or
Senators who cannot serve a full term of office
b. If you think you must use a singular adjective like each or every, try to
avoid using a pronoun:
Instead of: Each student must hand in his homework on Thursday.
Use:
Each student must hand in the assigned homework on
Thursday.
c. When using a job title, try to eliminate the pronoun:
Instead of: The nurse awoke her patient.
Use:
The nurse awoke the patient.
Instead of: A truck driver should plan his route carefully.
Use:
A truck driver should plan the travel route carefully.
4. When eliminating the pronoun seems unavoidable,
a. use both male and female pronouns:
Instead of: A student should meet with his advisor.
Use:
A student should meet with his or her advisor.
b. Choose a single sex pronoun and use it consistently. But be especially
careful not to do this in a way that will perpetuate stereotypes.
For example, it might be unwise to use he and him when
talking about professions stereotypically associated with males;
e.g., engineering.
c. Be careful about using constructions like his/her, she/he as many people
find these awkward and distracting.
Titles:
Instead of sex-linked titles, try neutral titles:

Fireman fireperson is awkward, but fire fighter is not

Policeman policeperson sounds silly, but police officer sounds natural
Mailman mailperson seems awkward, postal worker does not
OTHERS:
1. Avoid using man as a noun when you are really referring to men and
women
Ex.
Early man used a system of gestures to communicate
Rather, say: Early humans used
Early men and women
2. It has become common for people to address others with whom they
are barely acquainted as love, pet or dear. While it is usually intended
as a sign of warmth and friendliness, in some circumstances it can
have quite negative effects.
Men rarely address other men as love, pet or dear, but frequently
do so to women. Essentially, they are treating women differently
from how they treat men. This could be interpreted as a lack of
respect or that the relationship is viewed as potentially sexual.
Whatever the reason, it is inappropriate in work and study
relationships.
When people in positions of authority refer to others as love, pet or
dear, it can be felt to be patronising and dismissive. If we are to
treat those with whom we study and work with respect as equals,
we should try to avoid the use of overly-familiar terms of address.
3. Sex-linked adjectives, e.g. feminine, masculine, manly, womanly, arise
from stereotyped notions about male traits (e.g. strength, assertion,
aggression) and female traits (e.g. passivity, gentleness, concern).
They associate with one sex attributes which are shared by all people.
Instead of:
Use:
Instead of:
Use:
Instead of:
Use:

She's very masculine

She is a strong/independent/assertive woman
What is needed is the feminine touch
What is needed is a caring/considerate attitude
Shes a tomboy
Shes an adventurous/daring girl

Instead of:
Use:

Hes a sissy
Hes a sensitive/caring boy