Article 8 - Gender Discrimination at workplaces

 Introduction

Gender discrimination in employment and workplaces can occur in a variety of ways and of varying severity. Although the international society understands the importance of removing gender bias and achieving gender equity and equality in the workplace, it has yet to be addressed effectively (Bilkis, A. et al,. 2010). Gender discrimination can define itself in a variety of ways, such as uneven compensation for equal labor, restricted access to educational and employment possibilities, harassment, violence, and social stereotypes that sustain traditional gender norms.

What is discrimination?

“simply a matter of identifying differences (Witcher, S. 2013)”

According to Bilkis, A. et al, (2010) Discrimination in the workplace is currently one of the most contentious issues in the globe. There have been several discoveries and serious charges of prejudice. Gender bias, in particular, has become widespread throughout most developing countries.

An Example of Gender Discrimination at Work Youtube 

What causes gender inequality in the workplace? Youtube

According to Michelle P.K (2020), What really causes gender inequality? The YouTube video explains the reason for gender inequity. Its that the people have the knowledge. But what they are lacking is understanding. Baum, B. (2021) says, a type of relative equality (equal treatment of persons and groups) that takes into account the needs and qualities of the individuals, the context of the situation, and the conditions that result in disparate outcomes.

Why is gender discrimination happening?

•  “Gender discrimination at the workplace starts to operate even from the time a woman makes her choice to work. Employment capabilities, bargaining power, nature of work, and workload are the main pondering issues here (Bilkis, A. et al, 2010).” This means that gender discrimination is common in the workplace, beginning the minute a woman decides to pursue a career. It emphasizes that gender discrimination is not restricted to a single stage of one's career, but can occur at numerous levels, beginning with the decision to work and continuing through the various facets of employment. According to Bilkis, A. et al, (2010), there is not enough institutional effort being made to improve women's employment rights and opportunities. Work in factories and other establishments is still unsatisfactory for women. The mere presence of laws or policy papers has no effect.

• Laws and government policies contain discrimination. Laws that previously barred women from voting, continue to exclude women from particular professions, or limit women's freedom of movement are examples. Laws that discriminate on the basis of gender in ways that prolong inequity rather than redressing past imbalance embody and exacerbate discrimination (Heymann, 2020).

•  Failure of governments to outlaw prevalent discriminatory acts (Heymann, 2020).
• Laws that impede equal rights and shared decision-making in interpersonal relationships (Heymann, 2020).

According to Heymann (2020), gender-based discrimination continues to be the most common kind of discrimination, affecting nearly every household worldwide. Gender discrimination extends across social class, race/ethnicity, and religion, leaving marginalized groups of women further behind, and women in nearly all groups less likely to have an equal voice, decision-making roles, or equal resource opportunities.

Organizations can help to end gender discrimination by raising employee awareness. These questions might be asked of the candidate during the interview process. Employers can bring in legal protection, promote equal opportunities, foster diversity and inclusion education, advocate gender equality policies, and also open a safe environment for employees to openly discuss discrimination taking place in workplaces. 

Conclusion

Gender discrimination is hurtful, unjust, and a violation of human rights, and society should endeavor to eliminate it for a variety of reasons. It undermines core human rights, such as the right to equality and non-discrimination, which are incorporated in various international human rights agreements and declarations. Gender discrimination may stunt economic growth by restricting women and people from diverse backgrounds from fully engaging in employment and entrepreneurial activity. Gender equality in the workplace has been shown to increase productivity and innovation. Gender discrimination must be addressed and eliminated because it is a moral necessity that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. It also leads to a more equal, just, and successful society in which everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Rather than "looking down" on discrimination based on gender, we should fight actively to dismantle it and promote gender equality.

List of references

Baum, B. (2021). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies: Are Organizations Truly Committed to a Workplace Culture Shift?. Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences, 33(2), pp.11-23. Available from https://asbbs.org/files/2021-22/JBBS_33.2_Fall_2021.pdf#page=12 [Accessed 31st August 2023]

Bilkis, A., Habib, S.B. and Sharmin, T., (2010). A review of discrimination in employment and workplace. ASA University review, 4(2), pp.137-150. Available from: https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/76621860/v4n2sl13-libre.pdf?1639725890=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DA_Review_of_Discrimination_in_Employment.pdf&Expires=1693587619&Signature=fQXuua6GEKlW6ZjFRsiMftlSOMZPbSnOaJaucuPx-w3Yx~5L-XKZeUnMJpEzbZc00bMqwavgmwadA4ELc--BZ~xY22XBL729gTDjTm3RRfuNckQGn0JP5RXnXQ3cU5WwJ0m8uocHh0N6J~o94FrfMH1LAwZT0O4b6oShDnAwIMcL7~1d5g3D2UZ971b9boJ2tohybs902ivrjAQy-I-e49kTSTY9O4BhMxXOE9KZFkcO2TaC6Ux-YWXFCZiJVhQq11qY9r~pA4ESYKozZsJ00WG78GLiBWSfmwUWQy-0toNxAvCrVRYSTmwKrObx~5Ncr4Err7LYjeHI67pC-Nl7tA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA [Accessed 31st August 2023]

Heymann, J. (2020). Why Addressing Gender Is Foundational. In: Advancing Equality: How Constitutional Rights Can Make a Difference Worldwide 1^st ed,. University of California Press, pp.45–70. Available from https://0-www-jstor-org.emu.londonmet.ac.uk/stable/pdf/j.ctv1f8854w.7.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A430c6288f11f3b84effa123274b59684&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1  [Accessed 1^st September 2023]

Mahir Nisar (2018), An Example of Gender Discrimination at Work [online video] Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhbVP1svYf4 [Accessed 31st August 2023]

Michelle P. K (2020), What causes gender inequality in the workplace? [online video] Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2bwHXlke8I [Accessed 31st August 2023]

Witcher, S. (2013). Discrimination. In: Inclusive Equality: a Vision for Social Justice, 1st ed., Bristol University Press, pp.97–126. Available from https://0-www-jstor-org.emu.londonmet.ac.uk/stable/pdf/j.ctt9qgn28.8.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A7c6dfce2b91dd584137a98a383f0a9cd&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1 [Accessed 1^st September 2023]