In anticipation of International Women's Day, Babbel—the leading language learning app—recently debuted a campaign to highlight the sexist terms often hidden in our language. Some prevailent examples include Debbie Downer or Chatty Cathy, both terms that have female personas while derogatory terms like mistress and spinster only exist for women with the male equivalents using more empowering words like bachelor and master.
To combat the sexism hidden in our language and support #EachFOrEqual, Babel debuted a list of alternative words. Rather than Working Mom, use Superhuman; instead of Chatty Cathy, try Chatterbox; and in place of Debbie Downer, use Fun-sponge. These easy alternatives are a neutral way to describe someone without negatively—and unnecessity—referencing either gender.
Anti-Sexist Language Campaigns
Babbel Highlights Sexist Terms Ahead of International Women’s Day
Trend Themes
1. Gender-neutral Language - Language learning platforms or software applications can integrate campaigns and features that promote gender-neutrality and make people more aware of sexist terms
2. Anti-sexist Messaging - Companies can use messaging and marketing campaigns that promote gender equality and challenge sexist language and stereotypes
3. Social Activism - Consumers expect companies to take a stand on social issues, particularly related to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality
Industry Implications
1. Language Learning - Language learning companies, such as Babbel, can integrate anti-sexist language campaigns and gender-neutral features to attract socially-conscious consumers and improve brand reputation
2. Marketing and Advertising - Marketing and advertising agencies can help companies adopt anti-sexist messaging and campaigns that promote gender equality and portray diverse and inclusive representations of men and women in media and advertising
3. Corporate Social Responsibility(csr) - Companies can adopt socially responsible policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including language and cultural training programs, employee resource groups (ERGs), and community outreach programs