Everyone is entitled to fairness at work. Unfortunately, discrimination at work is quite rampant in most American workplaces. However, it is important to understand that any form of discrimination, including gender, is illegal.
If you are a victim of gender discrimination, you need to take proactive steps to safeguard your rights. However, to pursue your case and recover the damages you deserve, it helps if you can tell what gender discrimination really is and what it is not.
Defining gender discrimination
Gender discrimination happens when an employee, or a potential employee, is treated differently or less favorably based on their gender identity. This can happen during the hiring process, promotions and pay rise.
Here are two signs you need to look out for if you suspect discrimination based on your gender.
You are bypassed for promotions
Everyone wants to grow in their career. If you are working as a team, accomplishing the goals together, but are being overlooked during promotion time despite your experience and qualification in favor of co-workers of the opposite gender, then you could be a victim of gender discrimination at work.
Your contributions are disregarded
You go out of your way to research and come up with viable business growth suggestions in readiness for the management’s meeting. You do your presentation, and the team responds with nothing more than a nod before moving on to the next item. A few minutes later, a colleague of the opposite sex comes up with the exact ideas you have just raised. And suddenly, everyone applauds them for their ingenious ideas. Then, they are tasked with the responsibility of implementing what was clearly your suggestion. Well, this, too, could be a sign of gender discrimination.
Discrimination at work can be demoralizing, to say the least. If you are being discriminated against at work based on your gender, it is important that you take appropriate steps to safeguard your rights.