Gender Inequality in the Workplace

Written By: Farkhunda

Edited By: Happy

Gender inequality is something we have been living with for centuries. But with all the progress we have made, why are we still experiencing this problem? With all the developments in Humans rights, what are we lacking that prevents us from filling the gender gap? When it comes to gender inequality, we tend to talk more than we act. Our plans are huge but our actions are tiny and even insignificant. Every day we see the presence of gender inequality in different aspects of our society. One of the forms of gender inequality is in the workplace.

Gender inequality in the workplace refers to the discrimination between males and females in terms of salary, the fulfillment of basic needs, and promotions. Mostly these offices and companies violate the rights of women while giving more rights to men. The aspects of inequality in the workplace include:

Unequal salary: In the United States, women on average earn 82 cents for every $1 that men earn despite the fact that the US is a very developed country.

Lesser opportunities: In our everyday lives we usually see men in higher positions compared to women. This means that companies tend to provide lesser job opportunities for women.

Sexual harassment: The 2019 workplace harassment statistics show that between 25% to 85% of women experience some form of harassment in their job.

Holding sexist views: In the workplace, some people think that men are superior to women due to the old perception of people. For instance, in some parts of the world having a baby boy used to be preferred, and on some occasions, baby girls were buried alive.

As a consequence of society’s unequal treatment of women, they develop stress, anxiety, and mental disorders. In addition, in most of the cases, women think that maybe they are inferior and men are superior.

This discrimination is a result of our attitudes and perception about the role of women in the workplace which is triggered by our society. We all know that a kid does not know anything about gender inequality and treats everyone equally regardless of their gender. However, when the kid grows up, observes the society, and thinks what they observe is the best attitude. Thus, the kid becomes blended in society and gets the same color. If the society is racist, the kid becomes racist and if the society is not racist, the kid will not become racist. The virus of gender inequality is in the roots of our society and if it is not stopped, it will spread everywhere. Thus, what should be done to cut the roots of this virus in the workplace?

1. Be transparent about the wages: ensure that women in the company are not paid lesser than men (in the same position).

2. Provide training: educate the employees to not discriminate against anyone for their gender or race.

3. Create a policy against discrimination: create a policy that ensures everyone has the right to complain against any inappropriate behavior.

4. Have a gender-neutral recruitment process

5. Set targets to diversify your company

Following this advice may decrease gender inequality in our society and we will be able to destroy this virus of discrimination.

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BrightHR. “Gender Inequality in the Workplace.” BrightHR, 24 June 2020, www.brighthr.com/articles/equality-and-discrimination/gender-equality/.

Stamarski, Cailin Susan, and Leanne S. Son Hing. “Gender Inequalities in the Workplace: the Effects of Organizational Structures, Processes, Practices, and Decision Makers' Sexism.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 2 Sept. 2015, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01400/full.

Vuleta, Branka. “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Statistics - What You Need to Know.” WhatToBecome, 25 Sept. 2020, whattobecome.com/blog/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-statistics/.