Gender discrimination in the workplace is unfair treatment of an individual based on gender. Over 40% of women reported that they have faced gender discrimination in the workplace compared to 20% of men.
Examples of workplace discrimination based on gender may include:
- Earning less than someone of the opposite gender for doing the same job
- Being treated as though you’re incompetent
- Receiving less support from a senior manager than a coworker of the other gender
- Feeling isolated in the workplace
- Being passed over for a promotion
- Being assigned fewer or less important assignments
Gender discrimination in the workplace is prohibited in all 50 states. A person cannot legally be discriminated against on the basis of their gender. In New York, gender, age, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation are all protected classes. In many cases, gender discrimination takes the form of sexual harassment.
What can you do if you are being discriminated against?
If you are being discriminated against or sexually harassed in your place of employment, you should speak with your supervisor or employer immediately. Making your employer aware of the discrimination should be the first step in ending the unfair treatment.
If the discrimination persists or leads to termination, you should speak with an employment law attorney who can answer your questions and guide you through the process of putting a stop to discrimination and harassment.
