“Gender-Sensitive Language for a more inclusive society” (GENDERLY) aimed at raising awareness among youngsters (target group 18-30 yo) on the importance of the use of a gender-sensitive language as a tool to foster gender equality and help to put an end to gender discrimination. The GENDERLY project objective was to reduce gender-biased interactions in everyday life and contexts, fostering an increased inclusion among all levels of education. Project activities involved youth workers with a view to teach them new methods to implement non-gender-biased language in their daily lives. By promoting the usage of a gender-neutral language the project aimed at changing the language we use as a tool to reinforce social stereotypes. The goal of GENDERLY's activities has been to raise awareness of how certain words and behaviours are strongly influenced by gender, and then to propose words without gender connotations that are more inclusive and equally recognizable on a global scale.
Gender equality is to be considered a core value of the EU, a fundamental right, a key component of economic growth and a key principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights . However, despite the progress made, it is evident how gender inequality is still present in our daily professional, social and private lives. In this sense, it is believed that one of the main causes of this phenomenon is the use of discriminatory language. Discrimination based on sex and gender begins with language, as the systematic use of gender-biased terminology influences attitudes and expectations and may, in the minds of those reading or listening, perpetuate a stereotypical view of women's and men's roles. Words help shape our view of the world. It is in this context that the idea for this project was born, in order to understand the scope of gendered language in Europe, and to develop practices and methodologies useful for building appropriate and conscious language.