London: The Oxford University press has changed the definition woman after facing criticism for its sexist references. The change came over after an extensive review petition which was filed last year that criticised the inclusion of words such as bitch bint, wench and other offensive terms that were termed as synonyms for women.
The definition which now been updated by Oxford acknowledges that a woman can be a woman can be a person’s wife girlfriend or female lover rather than being all these things only to a man.
The changes have been made to the definition of man which now includes similar gender-neutral terminology. The other terms that have been revised under the changes which are related to sexual attractiveness and activity.
Other several labels have also assigned with terms categorised as derogatory, offensive or date. Such as the word bitch and bint, are no longer listed as synonyms for the word woman.
According to an Oxford University Press spokeswoman, the changes were implemented after an “extensive review of entries related to woman and many other related terms,” as quoted by India Today.
As according to reports by The Guardian, the campaigners argued that the examples which the dictionary offered for man were more exhaustive, than for woman. They also said that the dictionary presented woman as a subordinate or an irritation.
The petition also stated that all the references or terms focused upon ownership of men over women or discriminated and patronised them should be removed. Also, the definition of woman was enlarged and include examples to represent minorities such as transgender and lesbian women.
Maria Beatrice Giovanardi started the campaign and the petition reached 30,000 signatures. She spoke about the inclusion of the gender-neutral terminology “a huge step forward for the LGBTQI people.” She added, “It is respecting their love and unions.”
Picture Credit: India.com
