Beyond Her, Dr (Mrs.), Prof (Mrs.), and Barr (Mrs.): Addressing Gender Degradation in African Institutional and Professional Settings -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

The detrimental impact of these gendered titles reverberates across every sphere of life, from classrooms to boardrooms. Imagine a lecture hall where a brilliant female attorney in Nigeria, a beacon of knowledge, is introduced as Barr (Mrs.) So-and-So. Her qualifications and expertise, which should be at the forefront, are diluted or mixed. This practice sends a troubling message, subtly implying that her role as a wife or female holds more weight than her academic achievements. It not only diminishes her accomplishments but also sets a precedent for future generations, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s identity is secondary to her familial role.

This approach not only diminishes the accomplishments of these women but also undermines the integrity of the legal profession they represent. It sends a damaging message, implying that even within esteemed professional circles, a woman’s identity revolves around her marital life. This practice erodes the confidence of these accomplished professionals and sets a discouraging precedent for future generations, subtly implying that their professional identities are secondary to their roles within the family. Embracing gender-neutral language within these influential spheres is not just a matter of linguistic evolution; it is a moral imperative. It is about rectifying an inherent injustice, acknowledging women for their skills, expertise, and contributions without the veil of outdated titles. It signifies a commitment to equality, respect, and recognition, where every member is acknowledged based on their professional achievements rather than their gender or marital status.

In the ever-evolving landscape of language and societal norms, one topic stands at the forefront: gender-inclusive language. Across cultures and continents, traditional language conventions have often been inherently biased, particularly when it comes to addressing women. One such convention involves the use of titles like “Mrs.” and the personification of organizations as “her,” practices that have been deeply ingrained in many societies.
Language is a powerful tool, and by being mindful of the language we use, we can contribute to breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender. Cultural shifts often take time, but increased awareness and discussions about these issues can contribute to positive change over time.

Historically, the use of “Mrs.” as part of professional titles denoted a woman’s marital status, a practice not extended to men. However, as more women attain higher education and professional success, the choice to omit these titles has become a powerful assertion of identity. Many educated women today prefer to be addressed simply by their names, just like their male counterparts. This shift challenges the notion that a woman’s marital status is central to her identity, emphasizing instead her individual achievements and qualifications. This change reflects a broader societal evolution toward recognizing women for their skills, knowledge, and accomplishments, rather than defining them by their marital roles.

Many women around the world are challenging traditional conventions and choosing not to include their marital status in professional or academic settings. Similarly, many women prefer to be addressed without titles that indicate their marital status, just like men are addressed using their professional or academic titles (such as Dr.). This choice is part of a broader movement toward gender equality and respect for individual identity and accomplishments.

Let us envision a legal or medical symposium organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) offers a poignant glimpse into the persistence of gendered language in professional spheres. In these scenarios, as the event is announced, the association is personified as “her,” accentuating a feminine identity. This personification not only highlights the persistent gendering of professional entities but also serves as a glaring reminder of the deep-rooted societal norms that continue to marginalize women.

Language shapes perceptions and can either divide or unite. Satire challenges our language, urging us to redefine pronouns in a way that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Let our words be neutral, recognizing and embracing every identity. In this satirical revolution, we dissolve linguistic biases, paving the way for a more inclusive Africa.

Personifying Africa as ‘her’ reflects a historical convention, but it’s time to transcend these limitations. Satirical musings: What if we adopted neutral pronouns, making ‘it’ a symbol of unity and equality? ‘It’ could signify ‘Inclusivity, Triumph, Unity,’ fostering a sense of belonging for all, regardless of gender.
In the vibrant tapestry of African society, the lingering presence of gendered titles such as “Dr (Mrs.) So-and-So” or “Barr (Mrs.) So-and-So” paints a disturbing picture, especially when esteemed associations like the Nigeria Medical Association or the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and its branches, are introduced in this manner. This practice, while seemingly routine, carries a heavy weight of historical biases and gender discrimination, casting a shadow over the essence of professionalism. Picture a scene where these prestigious organizations hold their maiden annual lectures, and even in that professional context, they are introduced using gendered titles. The incongruity is undeniable – a contradiction of progress and a reinforcement of outdated norms.

Imagine, within the halls of a renowned medical association, a distinguished female physician, a beacon of healing and expertise, introduced as “Dr (Mrs.) So-and-So.” Despite her extensive medical knowledge and years of experience, her introduction focuses not on her professional achievements but on her marital status. The same disheartening scenario unfolds in the legal realm, where a brilliant female lawyer, an advocate for justice, is introduced as “Barr (Mrs.) So-and-So.” Here, too, her expertise takes a backseat to her family role.

This approach not only diminishes the accomplishments of these women but also undermines the integrity of the organizations they represent. It sends a damaging message to the public, implying that even within esteemed professional circles, a woman’s identity revolves around her marital life. This practice not only erodes the confidence of these accomplished professionals but also sets a discouraging precedent for future generations, subtly implying that their professional identities are secondary to their roles within the family.

Embracing gender-neutral language within these influential organizations is not just a matter of linguistic evolution; it is a moral imperative. It is about rectifying an inherent injustice, acknowledging women for their skills, expertise, and contributions without the veil of outdated titles. It signifies a commitment to equality, respect, and recognition, where every member is acknowledged based on their professional achievements rather than their gender or marital status.

In the contemporary landscape of Africa, particularly in Nigeria, it is time for these esteemed associations to lead by example. By discarding gendered titles, they can pave the way for a future where professionalism knows no gender and where every member is honored for their expertise and dedication. This transformative shift is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more equitable and progressive Africa, where the achievements of all individuals are celebrated without prejudice.

Many people and organizations are transitioning to more gender-neutral language to be inclusive and respectful of all gender identities. Using “their” as a singular gender-neutral pronoun is one such way to achieve this inclusivity. For example:

Using “its” or “their” in this context avoids assigning a specific gender to the organization and is more inclusive of diverse gender identities.

The same demeaning approach applies when a brilliant female lawyer or a female physician is introduced as “Barr (Mrs.) So-and-So” or “Dr (Mrs.) So-and-So,” or Prof(Mrs.) So-and-So,” titles that prioritize the female’s marital status above her significant professional achievements. This practice, deeply ingrained in cultural and historical contexts, perpetuates a harmful narrative, subtly suggesting that a woman’s personal life is of greater importance than her expertise and accomplishments. It diminishes the recognition of her hard-earned skills and talents, reinforcing traditional gender roles and undermining the progress towards gender equality in professional settings.

Recognizing this demeaning language is the first step towards dismantling these biases. It is crucial to challenge these norms, not only for the sake of the current generation of female professionals but also for the generations to come. Embracing gender-neutral language in these esteemed organizations is not just a matter of linguistic evolution; it is a moral imperative. It signifies a commitment to equality, respect, and recognition, where every member is acknowledged based on their professional accomplishments and expertise, regardless of their gender or marital status.

By acknowledging and rectifying the demeaning language prevalent in these scenarios, we can pave the way for a future where women are valued and celebrated for their contributions, unburdened by the constraints of outdated titles and gender biases. It’s a transformative step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals are recognized based on merit, fostering an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, can thrive professionally and personally.

Language is a mirror reflecting our beliefs and values. By challenging traditional norms and embracing gender-inclusive language, we can foster a society where individuals are acknowledged for their talents, abilities, and accomplishments, regardless of gender. It is not just a matter of words; it is a matter of dignity, equality, and respect for all.

The importance of gender-neutral language is increasingly being recognized. Across various sectors, organizations, style guides, and individuals are embracing more inclusive language practices, marking a significant shift in how we communicate. This change is not just about linguistics; it’s part of a broader conversation aimed at promoting equality and inclusivity in language. By questioning and challenging these deeply ingrained conventions, individuals are actively contributing to this vital dialogue.

Gendered language can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce traditional gender roles. By using gender-neutral language, we can challenge these norms and create a more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity.

Change often begins with individual awareness, and discussions like the one we’re having now play a crucial role in fostering this awareness. It’s essential to be proactive in correcting misuses of gendered titles like “Mrs.” when they are wrongly attached to professional achievements such as “Barr,” “Dr,” or “Prof.” By doing so, we are not only rectifying language but also empowering females, teaching them that their worth and hard work are equally significant. It’s not about disrespecting one’s spouse but about demanding respect for oneself and recognizing that personal achievements stand independent of marital status. This active correction sends a powerful message, breaking the cycle of gender bias and fostering a more respectful and equal society for everyone.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. john.oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu