Both the terms ‘chairman’ and ‘chairperson’ mean the same thing, but if you understand the terms properly, then you’ll realise that ‘chairperson’ is a gender-neutral term. This term can be used to refer to both a woman or a man who presides over any meeting/organisation/board.

Key Differences Chairperson and Chairman are terms used to designate the head or leader of an assembly, committee, board, or organization. While both play a pivotal leadership role, Chairperson is a gender-neutral term, whereas Chairman inherently implies a male leader.

Chairman is used when referring to a male, but is also considered to be gender-neutral, which is why chairperson is rarely used. Chairwoman is occasionally used, but usually only when referring to the head of an all-female organization. There is no official rule, only what people prefer.