#GreetNeutrally Newsletter (01.22.20)

The workforce is now more than 50% female in the U.S., and near 50% in many other developed and developing countries. As more women are elevating into roles that were previously male-dominated, we have to reconsider how we use titles.

For example, the title “Chairman” – which refers to the most senior position in a company or organization – is gendered; it implies that it’s a role held by a man. Leah Diprose's article for Medium, in which she reflects on the implications of Chairman as a job title, points to the following guide: correcting the term to be gender-neutral (i.e. Chairperson) or simply asking what their preferred title is. 

We’re not alone in calling for this re-consideration and change; Robert Kelley, a professor of management at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business focuses on removing gendered language in titles because he believes gender bias causes disparities with genders in the workplace. Language is one of the most powerful tools that humanity holds, and if not wielded well, it can lead to bias and inequality. 

It is within our power to create change. Remember to #GreetNeutrally today and every day to help our society achieve gender equality.