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Can men be victims of gender discrimination at work?

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2022 | Workplace Discrimination

Everyone has a right to pursue a line of work that they so desire. Unfortunately, some employers still practice gender biases at work. When the subject of gender discrimination at work comes up, it is pretty common to assume women are the automatic victims. 

However, this is not always the case. Men too can be victims of workplace harassment on account of their gender. If you are a victim of gender harassment at work, you deserve justice. 

Men too are protected by Title VII

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, also known as the federal anti-discrimination law, makes it illegal to discriminate against workers based on their gender. This law does not discriminate – meaning that both men and women can be victims of this illegal conduct. 

Gender notwithstanding, the law prohibits employers and potential employers from using an individual’s gender as the basis for hiring, dismissing, promoting, assigning duties, increasing salaries or appraising performance. Additionally, the law requires employers to take reasonable steps to respond to any complaints of gender discrimination that are brought forth by their employees. 

Examples of gender-based discrimination against men at work

Gender discrimination against men can be just as varied as it is against women. Here are ways men can be discriminated against at work on the basis of their gender:

  • When a female supervisor makes sexual advances against a male employee
  • When a male employee is subjected to uncomfortable situations in a female-dominated workplace 
  • When you are unequally compensated for the same job as your female colleagues with the same qualification

Every worker deserves fair treatment at work. Knowing your legal options can help you safeguard your rights if you are discriminated against based on your gender.