I think the anonomity thing is a bit of a problem. I remember a friend making a statement to a newspaper which then quoted her as a "spokeswoman" for the organisation - as it was a 99% male organisation it made her stand out more than she would have wished.

I have had a long debate about "Chair" recently. I dislike all the alternatives so I tend to avoid it by making lengthy statements like "in the chair".

The underlying question is does change come about by changing the language or by changing the situation of women in society. I really like terms like "firefighter" which make me think that I could be one if I wanted to be one. Changing "man" to "person" tends to sound contrived.

I can tsuwm see why doesn't get it - it's probably just a girl thing (world domination, that is).