The BCRA presented the Guide for Gender-Inclusive Communication

The BCRA President Miguel Ángel Pesce presented the Guide for Gender-Inclusive Communication, which was approved by the Board on August 6. More than 300 people from the BCRA attended the meeting that was held in virtual format.

Pesce highlighted the importance of taking specific measures that reflect the changes that society is undergoing. “Using gender-inclusive language is a significant contribution towards a fairer, less discriminatory and less violent society.” Pesce added: “The BCRA is not expected to be at the forefront in this respect but must go along with the changes. Our regulations are aimed to be widely understood by everyone, and evidence suggests that gender-inclusive language does not only improve communication but also promotes a more equitable society.”

The presentation of the Guide was coordinated by María Celeste Perosino, Promotion of Gender Policies, Respect and Appropriate Workplace Behavior Manager. Laura Arufe, Josefina Pons and Mariana Kolarik also took part in the presentation. They are members of the Strategic Communications Management Office, which developed this new communication tool. The meeting was closed by Marlene Wayar, social psychologist, trans activist and author of the book “Travesti. Una teoría lo suficientemente buena".

“The acknowledgement of gender-inclusive language has brought about changes in our institution. Some women workers have requested to adapt their title on the grounds of identity. This is not a minor issue, as we have already challenged our male-oriented workplace, as well as the invisibilization of workers by reason of gender. The Guide has also been implemented in the latest reports published by the BCRA. The immediate implementation of this Guide evidences the need for gender policies, and that the use of gender-inclusive language is easy if there is political will to include and acknowledge feminists' demands in public policies,” stated Perosino.

The Guide is a dynamic tool to boost a cultural change that guarantees rights. Arufe, Pons and Kolarik explained that the Guide is a collective development, a starting point, a set of resources to reach a larger audience. “It is an exercise in empathy and reflection,” they agreed.

Moreover, Waynar gave a special commendation to the BCRA President. “These are hard conquests. They involve huge cultural changes. Then, it is worth mentioning the political courage of Miguel Pesce to further transformation.”

Waynar stressed the pragmatic and symbolic value of the Guide. “By supporting the use of gender-inclusive language the institution takes an ethical position: it cannot neglect its responsibility for making a difference. We are aware of the power of words. Language is a tool to give hierarchy, raise awareness and promote respect.”

August 11, 2020.