How Women Can Deal With Gender Discrimination In The Workplace?

Gender discrimination is one of the most common issues faced by women professionals in both small and large organizations. It comes in various types and forms, such as unequal pay, limited promotion opportunities, exclusion from decision-making, pregnancy discrimination, harassment, stereotyping, and biased hiring practices. Regardless of the type of discrimination a woman faces in the workplace, it creates a negative impact on her physical and mental well-being as well as professional growth. No matter whether you are an entry-level employee, a manager, or a founder, it is important to understand how to deal with gender discrimination effectively. Some of the tips that can help are;?

1. Knowing Your Rights: Know about the laws and regulations that provide protection against gender discrimination. For instance, the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010). When you learn about your rights, this empowers you to take appropriate action.
2. Document Everything: Create a record of any incident of discrimination. In this, you should include dates and times, any witnesses, and specific details of the incident. Documenting the details can be really beneficial if you decide to report what happened.
3. Seek Support Networks: You can also join professional networks, online communities, or women’s associations that fight against gender discrimination. This way, you can seek any advice, emotional support, or resources, as well as help others.?
4. Communicate Openly: If it is possible and you feel comfortable, try to address the issues directly with the person involved. Make sure you clearly communicate to express how their action or behaviour affected you or your work.?
5. Utilize Internal Channels: In case direct communication does not result in resolving the issue, you can reach out to internal channels and report the incident to your manager or HR department. Know about any policies that your company has for handling gender discrimination matters.?
6. Educate and Advocate: Actively participating in discussions about gender discrimination in your workspace can drive positive change. Encouraging workshops as well as training sessions that address discrimination issues can also help develop a supportive environment.?
7. Develop Assertiveness Skills: Cultivate assertiveness by consistently practicing how to confidently communicate your needs and rights. Doing this can make you learn to stand up for yourself in challenging circumstances.
8. Seek Mentorship: Find mentors relevant to your industry who can provide advice, support, and guidance regarding how to go through the challenges of gender discrimination. This can prepare you to deal with such issues at your workplace.
9. Consider Legal Action if Necessary: If you do not experience any change or improvement in the situation, it is wise to consult a legal expert. This can help you explore options for legal action against any form of discrimination that is damaging you.?

Written by - Hassan Siddiqui