Inclusive language is central to inclusive spaces, yet there are both overt and more subtle challenges holding us back.

When we can talk about inclusion and exclusion, we can begin to understand the challenges and make improvements. Yet, fear of getting it wrong is the overt challenge that holds many of us back. Because language changes, evolving over time, we can find ourselves worried that the words we have to explain what we think and see aren’t the right words.

The more subtle challenge is less about the words and more about the context in which we use them. Stereotypes are biases that we’ve picked up from our environment. These often influence our communications without us realising it. For example, talking about a female engineer, or a male nanny. Adding gender to the role, when we wouldn’t do that for the opposite sex. Subtly reinforcing that these are not normal within our society. Subtle ‘othering’ through our language sends messages on the status quo for different groups, making it more difficult to challenge and change.

The conversations in the inclusion and diversity space have expanded and developed vastly over the last couple of years, but where are we now and where do we need to go next? This webinar aims to reflect on the progress we have made so far, but to highlight there’s still much work to be done and how we can go about addressing this and continue pushing the conversations forward to ensure inclusive and safe working environments for all.