Imagine a situation in which you learn that you’re a victim of gender discrimination at your place of employment. You hope it passes, but even if it does, you know that you’re being treated poorly.
Gender discrimination takes on many forms, including but not limited to:
- Harassment by co-workers of the opposite sex
- Wage discrimination
- Failure to promote based on gender
- Termination based on gender
- Demotion based on gender
- Stereotyping
A common example is a female employee working in a predominantly male position. When it comes time for their company to promote an employee from within, they select a male worker who is less qualified.
If you feel that you’ve been a victim of gender discrimination, it’s time to take action. This means something different to everyone, but here are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself, your legal rights and your career:
- Speak up: Don’t let your employer discriminate against you, day after day, because they think you’ll sit back and take it. Speak up and show them that you’re serious about protecting your legal rights.
- Collect evidence: You don’t want to rely on your word vs. their word. The more evidence you can collect to back up your claim, the better off you’ll be should you decide to take file a formal complaint.
- Talk to your HR department: Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. If a particular employee is discriminating against you, the HR department may be willing and able to help. Conversely, if it’s a systemic issues throughout the company, they may sweep your concerns under the rug.
- File a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): It’s often your last step, but it may be one that you have to take. When you get this agency involved, it’s clear to your employer that you’re not going away.
There’s no place in the world for gender discrimination. If you’re in the line of fire at your place of employment, take these steps.
As your case moves forward, take detailed notes and continue to do your job (if you’re still employed). There’s a light at the end of the tunnel as long as you keep moving ahead.
