Although gender equality is one of the hottest topics on the American job landscape, things are not as great as they seem. Workplace discrimination against women is common, and countless female employees struggle to achieve the same status as their male counterparts. They may be harassed, paid less, passed over for promotion, or evaluated more harshly. Unfortunately, many victims fail to report their concerns because they are unaware of their legal rights. However, you must not bear the burden of silence if you encounter gender discrimination at work. Here is the best legal advice for women dealing with workplace discrimination.
Document everything
Not all discriminatory actions are explicit, but it is vital to identify and document them. You must have adequate evidence to support your claim, so documenting everything about discriminatory actions is the best approach. Note the details, such as the date and time of the incident, who was involved, and who was present when it happened. You can also get statements from co-workers facing similar issues to consolidate your evidence.
Report the incident
Women often choose to stay quiet about workplace discrimination to avoid undue attention. But it is the worst way to handle the situation because the person who harasses you will have more reasons to continue with their action. You must report the incident sooner than later and follow the chain of command to get the word to an appropriate person. Speak to your supervisor, HR manager, or boss to ensure that the right person has the necessary information. Follow the reporting process according to your company’s policy.
File a complaint
Besides reporting the issue internally, you can legally file a claim with the relevant authority in your state. For example, Californians can file a complaint regarding gender discrimination at work with the labor board in California to seek justice. You can also tell your employer about your intention to file a charge. Do it without second thoughts because the law protects you from retaliatory measures by your employer.
Get an expert on board
Women facing discrimination in the workplace should definitely file a lawsuit against their employers to set an example. But you must get an expert with relevant experience on board to proceed with the case. They can guide you about the statutes of limitations for filing charges with government agencies. Further, they can provide evidence and arguments to establish your claims in court.
Advocate for a better work culture
The objective of filing a lawsuit for gender discrimination in the workplace is not just to seek justice. It should also be about advocating for a better work culture within your organization and the industry. You can do your bit by spreading the word and raising awareness against the issue. Talk to your female coworkers and encourage them to speak up if they have been suffering in silence.
Women have equal workplace rights as men, but gender discrimination is not an anomaly. However, awareness can help you raise a voice and enforce your legal rights against discriminatory behavior and policies.