The workplace we know now is an entirely different environment from what it used to be centuries ago. Today, there are still instances of gender-based inequality across workplace settings. Women’s long history of fighting for rights to equality in the workplace is a good case in point. California laws are in place to prevent these situations from reoccurring. New regulations aim to ensure equal opportunities for all. Current events constantly prove that the world views of gender are expanding as general knowledge of identity expands. The ever-expanding spectrum of gender sheds light on issues beyond women in the workplace. We’ll explore how current law extends to protect workers beyond the binary mold.
Overview
Gender-based inequality within the workplace is acts and policies based on discrimination towards one’s gender identity. Centuries ago, the primary victims of gender-based inequality were women entering the workplace. Today, the fight for equality has expanded beyond women. For example, trans and nonbinary individuals are currently fighting alongside women to stop gender-based inequality. Anyone can experience gender-based inequality within the workplace. The laws work to protect males, females, nonbinary individuals, and various identities anyone may associate themselves with.
What does Gender Inequality Look Like in a Workplace?
Acts of discrimination based on gender may entail:
- Discriminatory hiring processes
- Transphobic policies
- Firing someone based on their gender identity
- Sexual harassment
- Withholding opportunity based on one’s gender identity
- Policies based on sexism
- Offensive verbal remarks
- Differences in pay/hours
- Purposefully misgendering/ refusal of respecting pronouns.
Those experiencing gender-based discriminatory practices within their workplace have the right to report and speak up on the issue. So what is acceptable in the workplace? It is vital to understand the anti-discriminatory laws passed to protect individuals’ rights to answer this question.
Anti Discriminatory Laws
To combat gender-based inequality within the workplace, California lawmakers have passed various laws throughout the years to prevent discrimination from occurring. Though there is a long way to achieve full equality, the laws have been achieving monumental steps. A general understanding of the primary laws is beneficial for recognizing the legality of workplace behaviors that might concern you or your colleagues’ rights.
For example, an employee realizes they are being treated differently from other colleagues. Suppose the employee understands California gender inequality laws and recognizes that they are being discriminated against. In that case, The employee has the advantage to prepare and take the next legal steps to protect their rights. A recent study shows that around 40 percent of women state that they have either experienced or witnessed gender inequality in the workplace. Keep in mind that not all of these cases are reported.
Notable Laws Against Workplace Discrimination
In the last century, advocates for gender equality in the workplace fought long and hard for many policies to be passed. The long history of the fight for gender equality in the workplace has shaped today’s ever-changing work environments. The world’s perspective on gender expands alongside the understanding of equality within the workforce. Crucial laws that have been passed and are enforced by the EEOC are:
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act – protect employees from discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, disability, marital status, etc.
Equal Pay Act of 1963 – offers protection from wage discrimination.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Policy such as Senate Bill 826, a more recent bill that increases the incorporation of women in corporate boards, is another example of acts taken to combat gender inequality in the workplace. Although there is much work to be done, policies are being passed to shift the dynamics of power within the workforce constantly. Gender-based inequality is an issue within the workplace that can affect anyone. A great way to ensure that discriminatory practices are recognized is through knowing California laws to protect oneself.
Who Should I Contact if I’m Experiencing Gender Inequality in My Workplace?
If you or a loved one are facing gender inequality in the workplace, contact your local attorney for the best legal options. To fight gender inequality in the workplace, speaking up allows change and accountability to take place. Workplace rights are granted to all working individuals and serve to protect workers against discrimination. In California, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is there to help those file complaints about gender discrimination in their work settings. If it is certain that laws were broken, the case may even be taken to court for legal disputes. Pride legal can help set you or a loved one up with the perfect attorney that can assess and guide those facing gender inequality in their workplace.
Contact Pride Legal
If you’ve been facing gender inequality within the workplace or have been accused of discrimination, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further inquiries. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.
