Wikipedia:Writing about women

When , make sure the content and titles do not inadvertently use sexist language or promote sexist stereotypes.

Use caution when referring to a woman by her first name, which can serve to infantilize her. As a rule, after the initial introduction ("Susan Smith is an Australian anthropologist"), refer to women by their surnames ("Smith is the author of ..."). Here is an example of the inappropriate use of a woman's first name.

First names are sometimes needed for clarity. For example, when writing about a family with the same surname, after the initial introductions they can all be referred to by first names. A first name might also be used when a surname is long and double-barreled, and its repetition would be awkward to read and write. When a decision is made to use first names for editorial reasons, use them for both women and men.

When prioritizing that the subject is a "first woman," make sure it really is the only notable material available about her. Wherever possible start with her own position or accomplishments. The biographies of Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher, as of the same date, begin with the positions they held, and only then say that they are the only women to have held them.

Infoboxes are an important source of metadata (see DBpedia) and a source of discrimination against women. For example, the word spouse is more likely to appear in a woman's infobox than in a man's.

When writing about a woman who works, or has worked, as a model, consider avoiding {{}}. It includes parameters for hair and eye colour and previously contained parameters for bust, hip, waist size and weight. If you choose to add an infobox (they are not required), consider using {{}} instead.

A woman's relationships will be prominently discussed if essential to her notability, but try to focus on her own notable roles or accomplishments first. For example, consider starting articles about women who were First Lady of the United States, which is a significant role, with "served as First Lady of the United States from [year] to [year]," followed by a brief summary of her achievements, rather than "is/was the wife of President X."

Use gender-neutral nouns when describing professions and positions: actor, author, aviator, bartender, chair, comedian, firefighter, flight attendant, hero, poet, police officer. Avoid adding gender (female pilot, male nurse) unless the topic requires it.

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