Gender (in)equality in the workplace: practical practices to overcome these issues

Basically, sex-related bias in the workplace, also known as sex discrimination, occurs when an employee is treated differently than other employees because of sex or gender identity. On the other hand, workplace gender equality is achieved when people are able to access and enjoy the same rewards, resources and opportunities regardless of gender.

It may sounds like utopia, but the truth of the matter is that the gender-equality gap is still too wide.

If you look at some statistics, you can easily get how gender discrimination is a hot topic in human resources contemporary development. In 2016, just 57 percent world's working-age women are in the labour force, compared to 70 percent of working-age men (Department of Labor). Moreover, a recent Chartered Management Institute (CMI) report has revealed that more than four in five women and 80% of men report that they have perceived gender discriminatory acts at work.

So, what exactly constitutes gender inequality? What are the signs that gender discrimination is occurring? And – substantially – which practices can be encouraged to overcome these issues?

First of all, it is important to understand that while gender discrimination is most commonly directed toward women, men are also subjected to gender discrimination.

Then, I think is hard to establish what exactly is gender (in)equality in organizations, since it is a complex phenomenon that can be seen in organizational structures, processes, and practices.

According to Daniel Kalish, managing partner of HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, gender discrimination in the workplace often occur where an employer creates an unwelcoming environment or uncomfortable for a particular gender. He argues this can happen in the form of uttering inappropriate jokes, name calling or stereotypical comments about men or women.

I think that now sounds even tougher for HR specialist to deal with all these topics. But the real question now is: how can we try to improve gender equality in the workplace? Essentially, which are practical practices to deal with these issues?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n9IOH0NvyY

In these articles (Gender biases, fighting gender biases and equality in the workplace) are stated several tips to tackling gender biases at work. These specialists provide a huge variety of ideas to break these gender barriers and promoting a inclusive workplace, where men and women can have same opportunities.

I believe that whilst some progress has been made, especially in these last years, several recent reports suggest that we have a fair way to go to achieve gender parity.

I also think that gender equality should be all about seeing males and females as merely human being, of equal status and value. Should be judging a person based on their merit, and not viewing them as inferior or superior purely based on their gender.