12.1 Assess and revise internal and external communications to communicate gender equality, diversity, and inclusion commitment and provide gender-equitable messaging, language, and photos

Description of Best Practices

Develop a communications plan to use internal and external communication to support gender initiatives, signal company commitment to gender equality, promote the company as an employer of choice for women that values gender equality and D&I

Create clear guidance for the communications department, senior managers, and other staff representing the company at internal and external events

Defined actions can include:

Review of all internal and external corporate communications to ensure the company’s commitment to gender equality and D&I is explicitly expressed and effectively communicated
Use of gender-inclusive language and diverse pictures in all communication (e.g., photos show an equal representation of women and men with diverse social identities in different job areas and/or women highlighted in technical sectors)
Ensure diversity in all imagery
Publish the company’s gender and inclusion strategy, equal opportunity statement, and other relevant documents are published and used to highlight the company’s commitment (e.g., on the career website or linked to job ads, etc.)

Gender equality and D&I activities are amplified through a variety of materials across communication channels

Challenges of Implementation

Lack of understanding of the importance and high potential impact of publicizing company commitment to gender equality

Resources (financial and time) to create new communication materials may be limited

Organizations may unintentionally use stereotypical pictures

What Success Looks Like

Action plan developed and executed to increase inclusive communication for internal and external audiences

All company products use inclusive wording and pictures

Women and other minority groups feel well-represented through internal and external communication

Top leadership models commitment to gender equality through communication and actively communicates an expectation that all employees operate with a gender lens.

Internal and external communications equally feature men and women with diverse social identities in a range of positions/roles/jobs

Women are encouraged and empowered to take part in external communication, including speaking engagements, conferences, interviews, video, or photo features, etc.