While there have been lawsuits in the past to support equality in the workplace, there is still discrimination against women in some industries.
While women may have the same skills, abilities, and experience, they may be looked over for a job or a promotion. As an example, despite improvement in recent years, women still have difficulty getting employment in the construction industry. Sometimes a female applicant may be discriminated against when seeking employment in the construction field, or in any other job role.
While both men and women can suffer from discrimination in the workplace, a female is more likely to suffer the consequences because of her gender.
Unfortunately, women are given lower pay, specific jobs – such as desk roles, and are passed over for promotions or different positions because they aren’t considered capable of doing those kinds of job duties.
You should document everything and maintain evidence to support your claim. Often, when an employer discriminates against a woman it isn’t a new behavior and they have done the same to other female employees or applicants.
If you have been discriminated at against by your employer or a potential employer because you are a woman, you should take legal action. You do have rights, and you can make sure you are compensated for damages. This will also help protect other women from the same mistreatment.
Any discrimination in the workplace should be reported, and you should make sure that it is properly investigated and that your complaints are taken seriously. This is essential in stopping such mistreatment by employers.
Different Kinds of Workplace Discrimination for Women
Women may suffer different kinds of discrimination in the workplace. While there are literally dozens of ways discrimination can take place, some of the more common ways include unequal pay, not being promoted, not being hired for specific job positions, discriminated against because of pregnancy, discriminated against because of marital status, told to dress differently in order to get a pay raise or a promotion. Sometimes women may be fired for any of these reasons – or other reasons related to their gender – as well.
When a female has been discriminated against in the workplace, there are different actions to take.
You should gather supporting evidence and file a complaint with human resources. You should also talk with an employment law attorney who handles discrimination cases. Sometimes the discrimination is evident, but at other times, it is not as obvious because they don’t come out and say that it is because you are a woman. Circumstantial evidence is successful in such cases as well.
Steps To Take When Discriminated Against For Being A Female
You should maintain thorough documentation and evidence. Be sure to keep work memos, emails, texts, jot down notes to document conversations, and keep all employment paperwork, including contracts and handbooks. Also, if things are said or implied, ask coworkers and other witnesses to write detailed statements about what they saw or heard.
You should notify human resources about the harassment and file a complaint with them. They are to investigate it and then respond to you with their results.
They will ask you additional questions and they will talk with coworkers and other employees in the company about the situation. You should retain representation by an employment law attorney who handles sexual discrimination cases in the workplace.
Speak With A Lawyer
An employment law attorney will gather supporting evidence and documentation and conduct his or her own investigation into your claim.
Your lawyer will then determine the best way to proceed with your claim. With strong negotiation skills, attorneys often can negotiate with the employer and present the evidence, then reach a settlement out of court for the damages that the worker suffered.
If your claim cannot be settled out of court, your attorney will represent you in court before a judge and/or jury.
Talk with your lawyer about his or her payment during the consultation. Some employment law attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, which means that your lawyer will not be paid until you win your claim and recover compensation for your damages.
Time is limited. There is a statute of limitations for pursuing a claim after suffering sexual discrimination in the workplace.
To make sure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. A law firm that handles discrimination cases in your area will talk with you about your specific situation.
