At work, people expect to get an appraisal for their achievements, unique talents, or efforts they make for the company. But is the scenario the same? In today's world, there are many instances of discrimination in the workplace based on a person's sex, whether they are applying for a job or already working there. Discrimination based on sex is the core of sex discrimination.
Workplace discrimination against women is a vast, multifaceted, and often contentious issue that touches on many contemporary culture and society elements. This article will look in-depth at discrimination against women, common examples, and probable solutions. So scroll down to get insights regarding discrimination against women.
What is Discrimination Against Women in Workplace?
Discrimination occurs when a male or female employee is treated differently by their employer only because of their gender. Gender or sexual workplace discrimination is generally referred to as workplace discrimination.
Workplace discrimination against women occurs when an employer treats a female employee less favourably than it would treat a male employee solely because of the worker's gender.
For example, when a woman is denied employment or loses a promotion to an inferior male employee because of her gender, she is discriminated against at work.
Also Read: Gender Identity, Diversity & Inclusivity
Instances of Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace
Gender discrimination in the workplace is still a problem for women, even though many men report it. Here are some of the most common forms of gender discrimination that women face today in the workplace so that we can better understand what employees and employers can do to stop it.
1. Pregnancy Discrimination
Companies may be reluctant to hire female employees because they want to start a family and take a break from the workforce. Women may also be overlooked for higher-level employment for the same reasons.
There is no doubt that working mothers are paid less than their male counterparts, regardless of their credentials or experience. Often, female workers are penalized for taking time off to give birth and bond with their children or obtain prenatal care. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common workplace discrimination against women.
2. Harassment
Women are more likely than males to be harassed sexually at work in men-dominated industries. Female workers in male-dominated businesses may face more challenges since women reported more than 80 percent of sexual harassment incidents, as per the reports of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Discrimination on the basis of gender, even if it isn't sexual, is rampant in the workplace. Sexual harassment towards women, transgender people, and other non-binary or non-conforming individuals is on the rise. Discrimination against women and other members of the gender minority is a common form of sexual harassment that takes place on a regular basis in the workplace.
Workplace Discrimination Against Women3. Pay Gap
The amount of money paid to employees and the criteria used to make these decisions are not always openly discussed in the workplace. Federal law states that "any company with 15 or more employees may not discriminate against any employee on the basis of sex, ethnicity, the color of their skin or their national origin."
As a result, companies are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on any of the categories mentioned above. But as per the reports of a Pew Research Centre, every one out of four female workers claims that they've earned less than a male counterpart in the same position. This is one of the most common examples of discrimination against women in the workplace.
Check Out: Discrimination Based On Skin Color
4. Promotions to Senior Management
A recent survey by Catalyst found that the proportion of women in senior management jobs worldwide increased by 29% in 2019 compared to the previous year.
In 2020, 87 percent of mid-market companies were expected to have at least one female senior manager. However, since Catalyst began reporting on the topic in 2004, there has been just a 10% increase in the number of women in senior positions.
Finding the time to improve one's job skills is a major difficulty for both men and women, although women are more likely than men to see a lack of access to development opportunities as a major roadblock to advancement. As a result, women say they are unable to rise to senior management positions because of a lack of opportunity to network and a heavy workload outside of work.
Ways to Prevent Workplace Discrimination Against Women
In order to keep your workers enthusiastic about learning and growing with the firm, you need to make them feel secure and valued. You cannot achieve this goal without an environment free of discrimination. Any company decision should not be influenced by factors such as a worker's gender or sexual orientation.
Here are some ways that firms can use to create a workplace that is free of gender bias.
1. Increase Transparency Level
By making the hiring and evaluation processes as open and transparent as possible, you can ensure that your employees receive promotions or raises based on their hard work and dedication. In addition, make it crystal clear to employees what milestones they need to hit in order to be considered for promotion to management positions. This is one of the most effective ways to stop workplace discrimination against women.
2. Provide Insurance Plans
Pregnancy should not alter the status of female employees. Create a welcoming, safe, and honest environment for all parents, including fathers. Even if your company offers paid maternity leave as part of its family-friendly benefits, providing adequate time off for both parents is preferable. Pregnancy-related health insurance coverage is another employee benefit that can make your organization a desirable place to work for the best and the brightest.
Also Read: The Senior Citizen Vision Insurance
3. Provide Proper Training
Gender-based violence or harassment and the lawsuits that result from it can be avoided through sensitivity training at work. It's also critical that your employees feel free to express their problems and come to you for help when they need it. Building trust in the workplace empowers people to communicate, collaborate, and carry out their daily duties more effectively. Therefore providing proper training can help eradicate discrimination.
4. Make Zero-Tolerance Policies
To avoid hostile work environments (and lawsuits), employers should set boundaries and designate actions that are never acceptable. In addition, employers should ensure that these rules and regulations for protection against discrimination are strictly followed, and no one in the company disobeys them.
Final Words
So this was all you need to know about workplace discrimination against women and how employers can adapt to stop this issue from growing in their firm. It is advised that if you experience any form of discrimination, reach out to your employer at the first instance and explain the whole situation. It will help you to get justice without any hindrance. One must note that diversity, equality, and inclusion programs can strengthen a company's culture and create a welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds, enhancing both recruitment and retention.
Also Read: Women Coming Forward To Fund Female Entrepreneurs
