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To: the National Assembly for Wales

Replace the terms 'Girls and Boys/ Ladies and Gentleman' to improve wellbeing

The Welsh Government can lead the way by identifying ways forward in replacing the terms 'Girls and Boys/ Ladies and Gentleman' from the public domain.

By replacing these terms with nouns such as 'pupils', 'students', 'customers', 'clients', 'patrons' or simply 'people', gender labelling can be further neutralised.

Why is this important?

There are significant numbers of people, who feel strongly about these issues - are you one of them?

Replacing these terms would signify a move forward in a progressive society that seeks to value people. 'Labelling' is a social construct and as such can be de/reconstructed.

Those responsible for providing a service, compulsory or non-compulsory, to the general public can lead the way in replacing these terms from audio and written materials to move closer to a society that embraces equality and diversity in a meaningful way.

The positive message that this action could effect links to equality, diversity, mental health, resilience and wellbeing. All of these factors can contribute to flourishing linked not only to the emotional and psychological benefit of the country and as importantly the economic health of a nation. A flourishing nation is a rich nation. The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 sets out this stall.

The overt and subconscious messages that permeate society around gender, limit the aspirations of those who absorb and internalise them. Language plays a powerful role in the development of identity and self belief.

This call to action requests a simple and clear mandate, to catalyse cultural change and be part of the solution rather than the problem.

Wales leads the way on many progressive issues; let this be one of them. Be part of that change.

Wales

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Updates

2018-01-06 21:24:14 +0000

25 signatures reached

2017-06-23 11:14:42 +0100

10 signatures reached