5 Examples Of Gender Discrimination In The Workplace To Look Out For 

Despite numerous advancements in the world, women often still face examples of gender discrimination in the workplace.

While it may seem like society has come a long way from when women weren’t hired simply because of their gender. We’ve still got work to do.

What makes this situation so bad is this discrimination affects every aspect of the victims’ lives.

It reduces or even cuts off their access to quality healthcare, shelter, education and so much more.

Today while gender discrimination in the workplace is illegal. It still occurs in more subtle forms.

So let’s discuss some ways to know if you’re being discriminated against at work.

How Do You Know if You’re Being Treated Unfairly at Work?

If you suspect that you’re being treated unfairly at work but aren’t totally sure, here are some things to look out for. Or ask yourself;

Do you feel like you’re getting treated differently from everyone and not in a good way?

When you see the treatment your colleagues get from your bosses or even other colleagues, do you wonder why you’re treated differently?

Do you find yourself repeatedly bullied by co-workers at your workplace?

Have you had to deal with harassment? Are you underpaid?

Are you due for a promotion yet you see others getting promoted in your place?

Do you feel anxious at work? Does the thought of being in your workplace make you sad? Does it terrify or upset you?

Have you been demoted, transferred, or dismissed for no just reason?

If you compare yourself now vs when you started your role, would you say you’re happier, pleased, and in a good place mentally?

Your answer to these questions will help you determine if you’re being mistreated at work.

If you answered yes to these questions, then chances are you’ve been treated unfairly at work.

To further confirm if you’re being discriminated against at work, here are some examples.

Examples of Gender Discrimination

1. Harassment

Harassment, be it of a sexual nature or not is a major example of gender discrimination in the workplace.

Women, transgender, and gender-non-conforming people are the major sufferers of this type of gender discrimination.

Women who work in male-dominated industries are more likely to be victims of sexual harassment.

Studies show that only 16.5% of sexual harassment charges filed in 2017 were from men.

People also face harassment when they’re called inappropriate, derogatory, and demeaning names because of their gender at work.

Sometimes the harassment can even be physical, and eventually give way to assault.

2. Pay Gap

Research shows that women earn only 83.7% of what men earn, even though they work just as much.

This shows that the disparity in their salaries is due to gender.

It’s heartbreaking that even in 2023, and with laws like the Equal Pay Act of 1963, some employers still believe one should earn less simply because of their gender.

This is one very common gender discrimination to look out for in the workplace especially if you’re a woman.

3. Missed Promotions

A missed promotion without a valid explanation is another common example of gender discrimination in the workplace.

On several occasions, there would be qualified candidates for a position, usually a senior management position but they won’t be hired simply because they’re either women or Non-Binary.

Now, this particular example of gender discrimination is predominantly suffered by women.

In several patriarchal societies, women are viewed as unfit to rule or lead simply because they’re women.

So companies and businesses in those societies rarely have women in senior management positions.

4. Motherhood Discrimination

Research carried out showed that fathers earn 119% of what other men without kids earn.

However, mothers earn significantly less than women without kids.

Not only that, mothers also get fewer job offers and promotions.

The difference between how mothers and fathers are treated in the corporate world is startling.

This includes the use of maternity leave by pregnant working women.

5. Hiring Discrimination

Although it’s against the law for companies to base hiring decisions on an applicant’s gender. It still happens.

One study shows that recruiters are twice as likely to hire a male candidate over a female.

Hiring discrimination comes in many forms.

Regardless, it’s illegal for a company to use your gender as a factor during the recruitment process.  

Overcoming Gender Discrimination in The Workplace

Gender discrimination in the workplace has been a serious issue for decades. Although, several laws have been put into place to curtail this issue.

This is why it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs/examples of gender discrimination, especially as a woman or gender-non-conforming person.

Struggling with gender discrimination in the workplace is difficult. However, with the support system and knowledge, you’ll get through it.

As always, our NetWerk community is here to provide you with the support and resources that you need to advocate for yourself.

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