Sexual Discrimination in the Workplace

While our culture has made progress against sexism over the past few decades, the sad truth is that sexism and sexual discrimination still exists.  It has been widely reported that women have a harder time getting higher positions of authority at work and that they are paid less than a man is for the same amount of work.  For example, consider the gender gap in salaries.  The Census Bureau reported that as of 2002, a woman's average salary was just 77% of the average salary for a man.  Knowing that you really can't deny that sexual discrimination is still active today.

Sexual discrimination in the workplace can occur in many ways.  It may happen during the hiring process when men are hired instead of women with equal abilities and experience.  It can be in the form of sexual harassment, when a woman or man is not taken seriously and is regarded as a sex object.  Or it can come in employment benefits such as the amount of training or vacation a male or female employee receives.

If you have been sexually discriminated against, you need to know that there is something you can do about it.  Know that someone can be fired for sexually discriminating against someone else at work.  In order for sexual discrimination to end, you need to tell someone about it. 

What to Do
There are steps you can take to end the discrimination that you and others may be facing.  Be sure to take action.  Sexual discrimination doesn't go away; it just gets worse. 

Keep a diary.  The first thing you should do is to document the problem.  If the issue gets brought to light, either within the company or legally, it is critical that you have a written record.  Keep a notebook with entries describing each time you think you are discriminated against.  Be sure to include the specifics of the situation including who said what, when it happened, and if any witnesses were present.  Keep this diary in a safe place at home, not at work.

Start low.  At first you should try to resolve the issue at the lowest level possible.  Go to your supervisor and express your concerns.  Give them specific examples of the discrimination.  It is best to do this in writing, keeping copies of your complaints.  Ask to see the company's sexual discrimination policy and ask about the company's process for resolving these issues internally.

Involve the law.  While it should be your last option, know that there are many laws in place to protect you from discrimination.  If your company didn't resolve the situation for you, or didn't treat it seriously, you may want to file a complaint with a government agency.  If you decide to go to a government agency, do it right away.  Many states have deadlines of 6 months (180 days) for reporting discrimination.  Contact the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and your state's fair employment agency.  After this, you can choose whether to sue for money, getting your job back, or a court-mandated discrimination policy for your company.