Gender discrimination may be described as unpleasant action or discrepancy in treating a person that would not have taken place were the person concerned of another gender. Gender discrimination can be demonstrated against women, men and even people who change sex (transgender.) A number of countries have already declared gender discrimination as a legal offence.
Types of Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination at work place can take place in many ways, of which we shall mention four hereunder:
Direct Discrimination
It is not unusual for many employers to favor particular gender. For instance, they pay more salary to a male employee, compared to a female employee even if both of them are equally qualified and occupying the same post. At times, the bonus paid to men exceeds what is paid to women and one can sense a difference in the manner in which the boss treats staff from the opposite sex.
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination refers to the state of affairs in an organization wherein certain rules are purposely framed in a manner to disqualify a particular gender from certain prerequisites or assistance.
Harassment at Work
Victimization
Predisposed or inequitable treatment as per the gender of the employee amounts to persecution at work. It is a kind of employee discrimination per the gender of the employee. Some people tend to take it seriously to the extent of upsetting their private life and or creating dilemma for themselves at the workplace.
How to Handle Gender Discrimination at Work
Gender bias is a subject that calls for action on your part even if you are not directly affected by it. The foremost step for dealing with employee discrimination is to approach your seniors and tell them how you feel about it. It is important to be honest in your talk. In case the offender is your senior, engaged in employee discrimination, you can bring it to the notice of higher authority. You may also talk the subject with HR manager.
Some others in your office may also be facing the same dilemma or there could be some who support fair treatment for both the sexes, you should try persuading them to join you. When you have the support of another person it strengthens your case before the management, enabling it to take disciplinary action against the wrongdoer.
Thankfully, there are some organizations like employment tribunals and trade unions that support employees’ rights by taking into consideration matters relating to employee discrimination. If such organizations also fail to help you, you have the option of seeking legal help. You should not ignore instances of gender discrimination whether these are at the workplace or anywhere else. It is unlawful and against human rights.