It's International Women's Day, a day on which women all over the world are recognised and celebrated. The official IWD website invites us to 'imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated'.
Fine words and a fine sentiment. After all language is important, especially when women are at their most vulnerable, when they're giving birth, for example. We know that giving birth is something that only women can do so I was very disappointed that our local hospital in Southend is using the term 'birthing people' in its maternity services literature.
I wrote to Southend Hospital to query this term and I raised it in the House of Commons. It's a fact that only women can give birth so to use the term 'birthing people' is not only confusing, it's dehumanising and demeaning to women.
On this International Women's Day I want to remind people that language matters and women matter.
