Gender discrimination in overt forms (e.g. Lack of gender sensitive infrastructure) has ostensibly vanished but it has assumed subtle forms.
- Subtle gender discrimination manifests through attitudes and behaviors that seem supportive but reinforce traditional gender roles and perpetuate inequality.
Subtle Forms of Gender Discrimination
- Compliments that Reinforce Stereotyping: Positive comments that reinforce traditional gender roles and undermine women’s capabilities.
- Hiring, Promotion, and Evaluation: Unconscious bias towards male candidates for roles traditionally perceived as requiring physical strength or leadership.
- Microaggressions: Small innocuous comments that reinforce gender stereotypes, For instance, implying that women are less committed to their careers due to family reasons.
- Work-Life Balance Assumptions: Assumptions about work-life balance needs might affect women more due to societal expectations around caregiving and family responsibilities.
Addressing Subtle Forms of Gender Discrimination
- Blind evaluation: E.g. Hiding a job applicant’s physical attributes
- Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Promoting workplace that respects input from everyone regardless of gender.
- Assess unconscious gender bias at workplace: Through a variety of methods, including perceptions surveys, language analysis, analysis of gender gaps in pay and career advancement.
- Need to Change male mindset: Through wider gender sensitization.
Steps Taken for Curbing Gender Discrimination
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