'Make women feel seen': Why the Dutch have a new word for labia

Can you imagine seeing the words "shame lips" on your medical notes? The term, which can also be translated as "pubic lips", is the Dutch word for a women's body part. But, for some, it's just one of countless examples that are outdated and loaded with stigma.

Last month, leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale said it would include a new term for the labia, "vulvalippen" - in its upcoming online addition - alongside the traditional term "schaamlippen".

European campaigners have long been calling for a rewrite of terms used to discuss women's bodies, sexuality and health. What unites them is the desire to move away from terms that are often seen as misogynistic or judgmental.

"Language shapes how we see ourselves," says Shari Klein, one of the founders of the Schaamteloos campaign, which targets words that use "schaam" or "shame".

"It's crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word - not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously," she says.

Calls to use vulvalippen aren't new but campaigners say inclusion in the dictionary may be a sign society is "finally ready for change".

Esther Van der Valk, part of prominent Dutch feminist group Dolle Mina, says it's also about sex positivity and reducing body shaming.

The campaign's next steps are to convince doctors and officials to use vulvalippen in leaflets and consultations.