Gender discrimination has become a hot topic of conversation lately, especially when it comes to equal pay for men and women. And while both men and women certainly have the ability to be equally as successful, there are still things that women, or men, may experience, often due to outdated perceptions about gender roles, equality, or just plain prejudice.
Gender, or sexual, discrimination typically results in unequal treatment in many areas of employment: hiring, promotions, pay, working conditions, and harassment generally or sexual harassment. Men are also victims of sexual harassment, not just women, although not as frequently. Also, while sexual harassment usually appears in a heterosexual situation, it occasionally appears in a homosexual situation as well.
Workplace Gender Equality Act of 2012
The Workplace Gender Equality Act of 2012 was set in place to further expand the rights of women in the workplace. This act was established to improve gender equality (including balanced wage distribution between genders) in the American workplace.
Gender Discrimination and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
There are laws in place to protect employees from gender discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which applies nationally as well as specific state, or even municipals laws.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects men and women from gender discrimination, making it illegal in the workplace. With this law, employers are prohibited from terminating or refusing to hire or promote an employee on the basis of their gender, as well as prohibiting an employer from depriving an employee of other employment opportunities due to their gender.
While Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits sexual discrimination as well as harassment in the workplace it also prohibits employers from retaliating against any employee who files a discrimination claim. However, a study conducted by the EEOC showed that 25% to 85% of all female workers experienced sexual harassment during their time of employment. This is why it is so important to file a complaint immediately if you feel that you have been discriminated against or harassed. Filing a discrimination claim in this context can mean many things: Filing a formal charge of discrimination with the EEOC or a state or municipal agency, consulting an attorney about suspected discrimination, or even complaining about discrimination to a supervisor, the employer or its human relations department.
Whether you feel you have been a victim of gender discrimination, or any other form of discrimination in the workplace, be sure to contact the employment attorneys at Maduff & Maduff immediately.