Time to take a Stance - Questioning Gender Bias and Equality at workplaces

"Would you like to have some water" I asked her.

She was crying inconsolably. All those years of pent up toxic culture, seemed to, not stop. We had just finished a meeting and just like the sales of our product and the market , it (the meeting) was dismal. The Boss, as usual, wanted to pin it on someone and as a Team lead who had just been promoted, she was the easiest target. What was not fair, was the tone of the whole meeting, the accolades for the junior and the blame for her, the demeanor when addressing her and the regular steam rolling of anything she said. The mockery and the scorn.

Was it something personal ?

Was it frustration?

Or was it, because she was a woman?

Gender bias is a real threat to our society. We need to address it head on. Join the conversation and learn more about what we can do to end gender bias.

Is Gender inequality real?

Gender inequality in the workplace is a persistent problem in many industries. A recent study found that women are paid less than men for doing the same job in every single country, which took part in the study. This is just one example of how women are still not on equal footing with their male counterparts., and to add to that they are often passed over for promotions or leadership positions. Additionally, women are more likely to face discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. This can be especially true in male-dominated industries such as tech, finance, and manufacturing. Gender inequality in the workplace can have a negative impact on both women and men, and it can lead to lower morale and productivity.

What is Gender Bias ?

Gender bias is the discrimination of one gender based on their sex. This can take many forms, from subtle slights to outright harassment.

What is Gender Equality then?

Gender equality, on the other hand, is the level of equality that exists between men and women in terms of their opportunities, rights, and responsibilities.

While both gender bias and gender equality are harmful, gender bias is more likely to have a negative impact on women's careers and personal lives. Gender bias is the prejudice or discrimination against an individual based on their gender. This can be a form of direct or indirect discrimination. For example, direct discrimination would be not hiring a woman for a job because you believe women are not as capable as men. Indirect discrimination would be setting job requirements that are harder for women to meet, such as a higher level of experience. Gender bias can also manifest itself in the form of stereotypes, such as the belief that women are bad at math or that men are better leaders

What are the consequences of experiencing gender bias in the workplace?

The consequences of experiencing gender bias in the workplace can be serious. For women, it can lead to feelings of isolation and oppression. It can also lead to feelings of anger and resentment, which can have a negative impact on one's productivity and morale. For men, experiencing gender bias can lead to feelings of hostility and frustration. It can also lead to lower self-esteem and a decreased sense of responsibility. In some cases, it can even lead to violence or harassment.

One instance where I have noticed gender bias in the workplace is in the way that women are often expected to do more of the emotional labor. This can include things like being the one to remember birthdays and anniversaries, or being the one to comfort a coworker who is having a bad day. This expectation can often lead to women feeling like they have to put their own needs aside in order to take care of others, which can be emotionally and mentally draining. Additionally, women are often assumed to be better at multitasking and taking on multiple roles, which can lead to them being given more work than their male counterparts. I've also noticed that women are often expected to do more of the "office housework" like taking notes at meetings, organizing social events, and doing administrative tasks. I think this is because employers assume that women are better at these things than men, or because they think women don't have the same ambitions as men.

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in this article, belong to their respective owners and we do not claim any right or ownership over them.

What can be done to help close the gender gap in the workplace?

The gender gap in the workplace is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. There are many ways to help narrow the gender gap, but it starts with understanding the problem. Once the problem is understood, companies and employees can work together to find solutions.

Some of the ways to help close the gender gap include increasing female representation, offering equal pay and opportunities, and improving work-life balance. Another is to provide more opportunities for women to enter leadership positions. This can be done through learning and sensitization tools like mentor-ship programs and training workshops.

A more flexible work environment that accommodates both men and women's needs which could include things like offering more flexible hours and telecommuting options is also another option which could help. Finally, it is important to encourage open communication about these issues so that everyone is aware of the problem and can work together to find solutions and increasing transparency around pay and promotions are all key steps that can be taken to help close the gender gap in the workplace.

What can I do to help ?

1. Educate yourself and your coworkers about the gender bias in the workplace.

One way to help close the gender bias in the workplace is to educate yourself and your coworkers about the gender bias in the workplace. This can be done through education workshops, employee newsletters, or even just conversation at work. By understanding the gender bias, you can hopefully start to combat it.

2. Be prepared to advocate for yourself.

It's important to be assertive and speak up when you feel that you're being treated unfairly, but don't be too aggressive or abrasive. You want to be polite and professional while also setting the record straight. The most effective way to combat male bias is to stand up for yourself in a respectful manner.

3. Encourage women to speak up when they experience gender bias.

Another way to help close the gender bias in the workplace is to encourage women to speak up when they experience gender bias.

4. Don't take it personally.

It's natural to feel frustrated when you're not being given the same opportunities as your male colleagues, but don't take it out on them. Remember that they may not know any better and that they may be following established practices. Let them know that you appreciate their efforts, but that you would like to see change.

5. Be confident in your abilities.

Believe in yourself and your skills. When you're confident in your abilities, you'll be less likely to feel self-conscious or insecure.

6. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

If you're struggling to overcome male bias in the workplace, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to help you, including online forums and support groups.

7. Don't give up.

There's no overnight solution to overcoming male bias in the workplace, but persistence is key. If you keep trying, eventually you'll be successful.

Summarizing it , Speak up if you witness or experience discrimination or harassment. Advocate for yourself and other women when it comes to pay and promotions. And finally, support organizations that work to promote equality in the workplace. With everyone working together, we can definitely achieve true equality in our workplaces.