Based on the laws regulated by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EEOC) in employment it is unlawful to discriminate based on gender. The sorts of discrimination that takes place in what is often referred to as the C-Suite include unequal pay for American women despite them being more educated than men, sexual harassment in the workplace based on being a woman, racism, being promoted less often than men and being afraid to ask to be paid their full worth. If you can prove you have been discriminated as an executive woman in your workplace you may be eligible to compensation from your employer.
What is a Glass Ceiling?
The term “glass ceiling” is the invisible barrier that stops certain people and in particular women from being promoted to managerial and executive positions within a company or organization. It is considered most relevant to the difficulties women and minorities have when trying to move into higher roles in a corporate hierarchy that is dominated by the male gender. Despite laws that prevent discrimination there is still a lack of gender diversity in the C-Suite. It may not be deliberate company policy not to hire women but it maybe the company or organization simply doesn’t believe a woman would suit the position even if they are well qualified to do so. This is still discrimination based on gender and, if proven, is an illegal activity in the workplace.
An example of smashing the glass ceiling is when in 2008 Barrack Obama became the first Afro-American to be elected President of the United States despite minorities in the U.S. never having been able to this before. Also, when Hillary Clinton was elected as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Presidency this was also a big crack in the glass ceiling.
What to Do If You Experience Gender Discrimination in the C Suite
If you experience gender discrimination as an executive you are still able to reach out to HR. This means you can write a letter of complaint highlighting how you believe you have suffered gender discrimination as an executive. By doing this you have proof you brought it to the companies’ attention. If the HR fails to stop the discrimination then you should file a charge against the company claiming you have suffered discrimination.
A job discrimination complaint can be filed in person or by mail at the closest EEOC office. You will need to provide the following information:
- your name, address, and telephone number as the person who is suffering from discrimination
- the name, address, and telephone number of the employer you are filing the complaint against;
- a brief description of the event or events that you believe are gender discrimination; and
- the dates these events occurred.
Get Help Today
If you have suffered from gender discrimination in the C-Suite you will need an attorney to help you file your gender discrimination case. The attorney can help you compile your case and help you collect the evidence that is required to prove the discrimination. All you need to do is to fill out free evaluation form.
