Words Matter: Supporting Gender Equality Through Language and Communication

If you are developing video content, you may choose to use voice-overs to give your communication message a more personal feel.

Voice-over artists can add dimension to a story. When choosing the voice and tone, consider if it perpetuates gender stereotypes. It may influence your audience’s attitudes and perceptions about the people in the story. 

For balance, include a variety of voices. However, if using only one voice, think about what is attached to a specific gender. Narration may also include a physical or visual aspect. 

We encourage you to consider diversity in all aspects. This includes people with a migrant background and people with disabilities.

Just like with other content creation, you can use AI-powered tools to develop an appropriate voice for a voice-over. To ensure the voice-over is in keeping with gender-inclusive principles, consider the following guiding questions.

• Does the voice-over carry a feminine tone in stories about gendered topics such as family life?
•  Does the voice-over carry a masculine tone in stories related to technology?
• What ideas would this perpetuate about gender norms and roles?
• Does the voice-over use sexist and discriminatory words that reinforce gender bias and gender stereotypes?