Ten Sexist Scenarios That Women Face At Work
Being ignored, mistaken for the tea lady or branded a ‘maternity risk’ … all common experiences reported to the Everyday Sexism project which are painfully familiar to working women.
Reading this report, alarm bells ring. The thought of sex discrimination in the work place springs to mind. (Do you know that unlimited awards are possible at an Employment Tribunal under the Equality Act 2010?)
Fun banter in the workplace can be seen as discriminatory. This can include comments involving sexism, ageism, racialism or any of the other areas covered under the Equality Act 2010.
Any issues raised should be fully investigated and the correct action taken – whether it’s a disciplinary or development. The whole team must understand that behaviour of this nature is not accepted by the company and the law.
Below are ten scenarios faced by wormen at work:
- Being mistaken for the secretary
- Being mistaken for the tea lady
- Being called a ‘good girl’
- Being accused of menstuation when voicing a firm opinion
- Being asked if a man is available instead
- Having an idea ignored only to be repeated by a male colleague five minutes later to interest and applause.
- Being asked about childcare plans
- Being considered a ‘maternity’ risk
- Being accused of ‘baby brain’
- Avoiding wandering hands
“Employers need to understand that the sex of an employee is neither a valid nor a legal reason for treating him/her differently,” says Matthew from Consensus HR. ”Each employee is able to offer something different if provided with the correct guidance, development & management for the business.”
