Gender Discrimination at Workplace

In an age where we talk about equal rights for men and women, there are still instances of people being discriminated against because of their gender. Have you ever been discriminated against at work, just because of your gender? Have you been at the receiving end of lecherous looks or snide comments at the workplace? If yes, then you should know that gender discrimination is not an issue, which you can ignore or bear silently. People should realize that gender discrimination at workplace is a serious form of employment discrimination, which should not be dismissed. Gender based discrimination is defined as adverse action or differential treatment against a person that would not have occurred if the person had been of another sex. It can be the men, women and also transgenders individuals in the society, who face gender discrimination. Gender discrimination is considered as a serious form of prejudice and is illegal in certain circumstances in most of the countries around the world.

Types of Gender Discrimination at Workplace:

There are several ways in which gender discrimination takes place at work. Here are the four ways in which gender discrimination can take place:

Direct discrimination: At times there are instances where people treat you differently at workplace. Direct discrimination includes acts like difference in salary based on gender although both are doing the same job, or promoting someone because they are single instead of an equally qualified person.

Indirect discrimination: Instances where people are indirectly discriminated against include examples where a certain set of rules or laws are made which indirectly imply that people of a certain gender cannot qualify those laws or rules.

Harassment at work: This type of discrimination is perhaps the worst of the lot since it not only discriminates but causes emotional as well as psychological trauma for the employee who is discriminated against. Sexual or verbal harassment or inferior treatment owing to gender is included under this category.

Victimization: Unfair or biased treatment based on the employee’s gender translates into victimization at work. This is also a form of employee discrimination based on gender.

How to Handle Gender Discrimination at Workplace

Gender discrimination is an issue that you need to stand up for even if it is you who is discriminated against or your colleague. The first step that needs to be takes in tackling gender discrimination is to talk to your seniors about it and let them know how you feel. Do not hesitate to be honest enough to speak up your mind. In case your senior is the miscreant encouraging gender discrimination, try and approach the higher authority to look into the matter. You can also discuss this issue with your HR (human resources) manager. There also exist several organizations like trade unions or even employment tribunals that support employee rights and look into matters of employment discrimination. In case talking things through fails you, you can always resort to the law to help you out. Always remember that gender discrimination at workplace or anywhere for that matter should not be ignored or taken lightly. It is a breach of human rights, as well as a serious breach of law.