**Fatshimetrie: Deconstruction of sexist language towards women in the DRC**
In the socio-cultural climate of the Democratic Republic of Congo, sexist language persists and operates insidiously, leaning on historical and cultural structures. Expressions, remarks, even injunctions, a whole system of discriminatory communication is anchored in everyday life, mainly targeting women.
The fight against this fatshimetrie, a term resulting from the fusion of “fatality” and “sexism”, is more relevant than ever. Two voices are rising, spokespeople for a fight for the rehabilitation of language, for a more egalitarian and respectful discourse for each individual regardless of their gender.
Anny Modi, a fervent activist for women’s rights in the DRC, stands at the forefront of this fight against fatshimetrie. Her resolute commitment is based on the conviction that every word counts, that every expression reflects and maintains harmful thought patterns. For her, dismantling these sexist linguistic constructs means paving the way for a more just, egalitarian and respectful society.
Echoing this approach, Michel Bisa, a linguistics scholar and university professor, provides valuable insight into the subtle mechanisms of sexist language in the DRC. He emphasizes the crucial importance of collective awareness to deconstruct these patterns rooted in mentalities and discourses. By analyzing and highlighting the subtleties and implications of language, he helps to raise awareness and bring about change.
The first step in this fight against fatshimetry lies in recognition and awareness. Recognizing the expressions, words and turns of phrase that convey sexist prejudices is essential to stop their insidious spread. The next step is to deconstruct them, criticize them and replace them with inclusive, respectful and non-discriminatory formulations.
In short, the fight against fatshimetry in the DRC is not limited to a linguistic issue. It is a fight for equality, for respect for the dignity of each individual, regardless of their gender status. It is a call for a change in mentalities, for a profound change in social and cultural structures, for a more just, more egalitarian society that is more respectful of diversity. It is up to us to strive towards this vision and to shape a language that reflects our noblest and most inclusive values.