Sheboard is a virtual keyboard for boosting girls’ confidence. With predictive text input, it suggests gender-neutral language. It helps everyone reflect on – and possibly change – the ways we talk to and about girls. Sheboard also reminds girls about the abilities they have that people don’t always think to mention.

The amount of communication that happens on our mobiles keeps growing. That’s why the keyboard is an ideal place for tapping into people’s language. But the idea is bigger than that; typing messages is something everyone can relate to, and just hearing about the keyboard makes people think how they choose their words when talking with or about girls.

We collected words for the keyboard from children and campaign spokespeople: how should girls be described? Based on these words and research regarding gender-biased language, we created a dictionary of more than 2 500 words. It was widened by creating algorithms from female-empowering blogs and publications. The app was created together with Samsung – in a few months’ time – and made available in Google Play.

We launched Sheboard in Slush, world’s leading startup event. On social media, we promoted it with emotional spots showing why it’s needed – directed by an up-and-coming female talent. We also used the spokespeople to share the cause via social media and blogs. All this, we did with a strong focus on PR.

Now Sheboard is in the process of being translated e.g. to Spanish and Finnish. In addition, educational packages are planned; volunteers will keep workshops about gender-neutrality in schools,with help of Sheboard.

Sheboard got media attention all over the world, both in advanced, relatively equal countries and in those where girls’ rights are neglected; from Finland to India. The editorial reach was over 712 Million.

Sheboard was covered e.g. by UK national press, international business press, top tier tech press, social publishers; and chosen as innovation of the day by Trendwatching.

But it’s not enough that we reached people. We needed to make them think about gender-neutral talk on their own behalf. And we did. People felt strongly, for and against. Gender-neutral language is not a given but something we need to work towards.

And with Sheboard, we’ve made a change in the minds of many. A dad from Newport tweeted: “Just reading about #sheboard virtual keyboard has made me rethink how I talk to my daughter - even if she is just 3 months old”.