Inclusive language against gender-based violence. In Edison the words driving social change
Apparently harmless, unconscious, and often justified by their inevitability: “They’re just words,” “You can’t say anything anymore,” “Don’t take it personally!” Microaggressions exist; they are behaviors integrated into our culture and quite common in social and corporate contexts. They should not be overlooked, as they stem from an unbalanced power dynamic that one person can exercise over another. This is why it is important to be aware of language in order to defuse the dynamics of violence.
“Analyzing the relationship between words and actions helps to understand how new ways of expressing ourselves can influence and change established social attitudes. It is clear that educating and raising awareness toward a language that respects identity and gender diversity is the first key step to reducing stigma and preventing violence,” says Giuseppina Cataldi, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Edison.
And it is in this spirit that Edison, to broaden awareness of the phenomenon of gender-based violence, has made available to colleagues the corporate guide on broad and inclusive language Prendiamoci in parola, an invitation to reflect and adopt a linguistic style that puts people first, embracing and valuing the diversity that makes each individual unique. A language that embraces different viewpoints while respecting varying sensitivities.
The company’s commitment does not stop there. Edison promotes learning and awareness programs through external training, with training modules on an e-learning platform, to combat gender-based violence in collaboration with the association Telefono Rosa, as well as various internal initiatives to raise awareness, recognize its cultural and social roots, and transform the collective perception of violence.
Acting on language also means influencing the culture around it. For this reason, Edison is implementing a massive training and awareness initiative, through training courses and interactive workshops, aimed at providing practical tools to use a more equitable and respectful language, and encouraging both individual and collective reflection on communication habits. “Open dialogue is the way to overcome prejudice and foster smooth relationships. It helps build a more balanced, healthy coexistence, ensuring the well-being of the people within the organization,” adds Cataldi.
Gianni Rodari, in his Grammatica della fantasia, compared words to stones thrown into a pond. Every word generates a ripple that spreads into the surrounding environment. This analogy highlights how a word, even spoken without harmful intent, can have profound consequences. Awareness of the resonant effect of words allows us to value the responsibility in how we use them every day. Promoting a language that does not feed violence or discrimination becomes a concrete goal, to be pursued with care.
“Investing in training and awareness is not only an ethical duty but also a strategic choice for the future. It means creating conditions so that people can recognize, respect, and value differences, turning them into a lever for collective growth. Language is the tool through which we build our relationships, both at work and in life: learning to use it responsibly allows us to break down prejudice, prevent discrimination, and promote an inclusive culture. From here, a fairer, more cohesive, and sustainable society takes shape, where everyone can feel like an active participant and a bearer of value,” concludes Cataldi.