Gender Sensitive Language
Language is a mirror of our social coexistence, but at the same time it is also an instrument of power that can be used to make inclusion and exclusion clear. Using gender-sensitive language is a simple but effective way to work towards equality for all genders. It can help counter stereotypical images and help overcome gender norms and role thinking.
The organizational culture of BIH should also be represented in the language we all use, so that all people, regardless of their gender identity, feel addressed and find themselves included in the respective expressions.
BIH recommends the wording in this brief summary. [link PDF]
Genderbias Calculator (erkennt in Texten Wörter, die eher mit Frauen und solche, die eher mit Männern assoziiert werden und macht diese kenntlich, auf Englisch)
Job Advertisment
When you advertise a job in your department/lab, make sure to use a balanced and gender sensitive language that includes female- and male coded terms. With the following tools you can check your advertisement.
http://gender-decoder.katmatfield.com/
https://textio.com/
No all-male Panels at conferences
When organizing events, BIH strives to give a voice to different people and to have at least 40% of the speakers be women. When inviting to panel discussions, make sure that there is an adequate participation of female and male speakers, among others. This broadens the perspective and brings different positions into the debate.
Two male researchers became gender-equity allies after witnessing how female colleagues were treated in meetings and job interviews.
Podcast: Science diversified: The men who say no to manels
Inclusive Events
Events promote exchange, networking and enable collaborations. However, due to structural disadvantages, not all people have the same opportunities to attend events or feel welcome there. People in wheelchairs may not have access to the building, people with hearing impairments may need support and written interpreters, parents may not have a place to breastfeed or change their baby, there are no gender-neutral restrooms for trans* and inter* people. These and other examples show that events and conferences are not equally accessible to all people. As organizers, you can take care to make your own event more inclusive. The following guide provides a good overview. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Equal Opportunity Office of the BIH. https://500womenscientists.org/inclusive-scientific-meetings
How to support deaf and hard-of-hearing researchers – an article
So, you want to host an inclusive and accessible conference? an article
