To make sure that the language used by on-air personnel treats men and women equally, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has developed these guidelines:

When referring to men and women, make sure that they are addressed in the same manner.

For example, instead of saying "Mr. Smith and Mary Jones" refer to these people as "John Smith and Mary Jones" (using both of their first names) or "Mr. Smith and Ms./Mrs./Miss Jones" (using titles, rather than names).

Describe a woman as her own person, and not in relationship to someone else.

Instead of saying "Mary Smith, who is married to John Smith," say "Mary Smith, who is a writer."

Use parallel language to refer to men and women.

Don't say "Men and ladies" or "Men and girls." Instead, say "Men and Women" or "Ladies and gentlemen."

Avoid patronizing terms.

• Don't use terms like "the little lady" or "better half" when you are referring to someone's spouse, or wife.
• Use the word Feminist, instead of "women's libber."

Use terms that can include both sexes.

The Chair, Chairperson, rather than the Chairman

Humanity, rather than mankind

Human achievements rather than man's achievements

Use plural forms or neutral words to avoid assumptions about a person's sex.

• Doctors bill their patients, instead of a doctor bills his patients.
• People like their comfort, instead of a man likes his comfort.

 Replace gender-specific words with gender-neutral words.

(However, some people are more comfortable with traditional titles, so if a woman wishes to be called Chairman, rather than Chairperson, use the term that she prefers.)

Anchorman = Anchor Businessman = Business person or executive Businessmen = Business community Cameraman = Camera operator Cleaning Lady = Cleaner, housekeeper Craftsman = Craftsperson/Craftspeople Delivery boy = Messenger Draftsman = Drafting technician, drafter Fireman = Firefighter Gentleman's agreement = Honorable agreement Housewife = Homemaker Lady Doctor = Doctor Maid = Houseworker or housekeeper

Mailman = Mail carrier or letter carrier Man-hours = Person-hours or work-hours Manpower = Workforce Male Nurse = Nurse Newsman = Reporter or journalist Policeman = Constable or police officer Salesman = Sales clerk or sales representative Spokesman = Representative or spokesperson Steward or Stewardess = Flight attendant Waiter or Waitress = Server Watchman = Security Guard Woman Engineer = Engineer Workmen's Compensation = Worker's Compensation

Adapted by the Media Awareness Network from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Gender Guidelines.