Gender Vocabulary

The Language of Gender Equality

Incorporating gender equality into policies and services has created a common language across Europe under the banner of gender mainstreaming.

A concept that refers to the social differences, as opposed to the biological ones, between women and men that have been learned, are changeable over time and have wide variations both within and between cultures

The systematic integration of the respective situations, priorities and needs of women and men in all mainstream policies with a view to promoting equality between women and men

In policy terms, a policy which has no differential impact, either postive or negative, for equality between women and men

Ignoring or failing to address the gender equality dimension

The collection and separation of data by gender to allow comparative gender analysis

The concept that all human beings are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by strict gender roles; that the different behaviour, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued and favoured equally.

A check carried out on a policy proposal to ensure that any potential gender discriminatory effects arising from that policy have been avoided and that gender equality is promoted

Examining policy proposals to see whether they will affect women and men differently, with a view to adapting these proposals to make sure that any discriminatory effects are neutralised and that gender equality is promoted

Measures targeted at a particular group and intended to eliminate and prevent discrimination or to offset disadvantages arising from existing attitudes, behaviours and structures (Definitions adapted from ‘One hundred words for equality: A glossary of terms on equality between women and men’, available from DG for Employment, Industrial Relations & Social Affairs, European Commission.