by Marlene Patron
On March 29, 2023, the UP Manila University Library staff attended a workshop on Gender Sensitivity and Gender-Fair Language, in celebration of National Women's Month. This activity is being organized by the UL Team Building Committee 2023.
The goal of this seminar workshop is to provide library staff with knowledge, skills, and attitudes about gender-sensitive learning concepts and practices. Increasing their ability to follow gender-neutral communication standards and promote gender equality in the Library Department.
Sir Joey, the UP College of Medicine's Student Representative to the Gender and Development Committee, spoke about the diversity of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).
According to him, human gender and sexuality are not binary, and we should let the individual decide how they want to be identified.
After the lecture on gender sensitivity, Doc Lanie, the Director of the Center for Gender and Women Studies discussed Gender-Fair Language.
Sexism in the language we use can devalue members of one sex and it will foster gender inequality. We had a short workshop to help us identify words for non-sexist writing.
The University Library has taken the first step in its campaign to promote the use of gender-neutral language. Language is an extremely important tool in communication. It expresses consciousness, reflects culture, and has an impact on socialization.
As a result, it is critical to recognize the significance of transitioning language from traditional usage to a more liberating, gender-sensitive usage.
Because government employees and officials deal with gender issues daily, using non-sexist language in letters, memoranda, and other issuances will encourage them to make a conscious effort to avoid implicit and explicit discriminatory language against women or men. As a result, gender sensitivity will be promoted not only in the workplace but also in our daily lives.
