Gender discrimination is a form of discrimination in which a person is treated differently or unfairly on the basis of their sex/gender. Discrimination is still a recurrent problem at workplaces, which has held women back in the workplace for generations.
According to the European Union, 5.23 million women reported feeling discriminated against at work in 2021, while far fewer men (3.63 million) reported the same experience. Findings from the Pew Research Center show that 42% of women in the United States have faced discrimination at their jobs because of their gender.
Wage discrimination is persistently increasing in Uganda, with women earning less than men in various occupations. These discriminations include, promotion on account of gender, low payment compared to their male counterparts yet they are doing the same job, subjection to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other forms of sexual harassment, among others.
One of the causes of the discrimination is societal norms and beliefs. Historically, it was believed that men belong at work and women belong in the kitchen. This resulted in men dominating the workplace, and in case a woman gets a job, she is seen as incompetent, which has resulted in the underestimation of women’s talent, ability, and hard work.
The underrepresentation of women in decision-making is yet another cause of discrimination in workplaces. Some sectors have low numbers of women employees compared to men. With such imbalance, the interests of the sidelined gender are never prioritized.
Job segregation is another major cause of gender discrimination in workplaces. In some societies, it is believed that men are better equipped to handle certain jobs than women. Additionally, some people believe that the highest-paid jobs are the jobs that men handle the best. Some women work more but get less recognition and wages. This discrimination leads to lower incomes among women.
Furthermore, looking at women as an object rather than work colleagues has increased discrimination. Some men tend to look at women as attractive sex objects and nothing else.
Lack of legal protection. Failure of the law to protect women/victims has encouraged perpetrators to continue discriminating against and torturing women in the workplace. Sometimes victims do not know where to find assistance, or the services are not readily available.
Effects of gender discrimination on women
Women who are discriminated against tend to be less productive. If women are excluded from the company’s decision-making and ongoing activities, their capacities will not be built. So, they will not contribute much to the company. This will subsequently affect the overall productivity of the company.
A hostile working environment leads to less motivation to work. One will feel uncomfortable working in a place where they are not respected or valued as a person. They will also not be motivated to be productive if they are always criticized.
Furthermore, discrimination leads to work-related stress.
Also, discrimination(being harassed at work that is sexual violence), can lead to constant absenteeism among employees, particularly women, which affects the productivity of a company in the long run.
Discrimination hinders the victim from reaching their highest level of productivity. They are blocked out from opportunities to exercise their potential. All this leads to a lack of job satisfaction.
Low self-esteem by the affected person.
Recommendations
Ensure there is a clearly communicated policy on dignity and respect at work, highlighting that there is zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and harassment of women.
Empower women in the workplace. In most workplaces, there are more men than women, especially in high-level positions. The gender pay gap also persists in many places and intersects with race and ethnicity. Gender discrimination can be tackled by offering paid leave and childcare, supporting more women in senior roles, and reviewing salaries.
Employees need to be provided with training and education about unconscious biases
that may affect decision-making. Awareness can lead to fairer treatment and more equitable opportunities for all particularly women.
- Giving honest feedback to leaders on their gender bias attitude and showing how it affects victims. This will enable the perpetrators to change, stop the discrimination, and learn to respect women.
In conclusion, efforts to address discrimination and promote gender equality are crucial for creating a fair and inclusive work environment. Gender discrimination is a real issue and hurts women across the globe. Some women face gender discrimination based on their gender, while some of them face, In addition, the workplace needs to acknowledge these complex layers and make systematic changes to support women across the organization.
Compiled by;
Babirye Roseline, Program assistant gender and ICT Policy Advocacy
